PREVENTION STARTS OUTDOORS

We’ve all seen them hopping around in the grass or in our gardens. Although crickets are typically harmless when they are outdoors, where they mainly eat a variety of plants, they can wreak some serious havoc when inside your home. The crickets themselves aren’t particularly harmful to humans, but they can damage your upholstery and clothing. These pests will also eat through a variety of household materials such as wood trim, molding, and wallpaper glue. You might even notice them eating your indoor plants as they will look for food sources when inside your home. These concerns, as well as possibly spreading worms through their feces, makes these seemingly harmless insects a huge nuisance if they invade your home.

If you see or hear crickets indoors they most likely have infested your home. Here are some do-it-yourself tips for prevention and some simple ways to make your home uninviting to these invasive insects.

KEEP YOUR YARD FREE FROM DEBRIS AND EXCESS WATER

It is important to make your home and yard as undesirable to crickets as possible. Crickets need water to survive, so keeping your basement dry is essential. If the area around your basement holds excess water consider installing drainage to divert the water away from your foundation. Avoid planting trees and gardens too close to your foundation. Watering trees and gardens that are close to your home could attract these pesky hoppers. They are drawn to dark, moist areas such as mulch and garden dirt, and they can use these areas to nest. Crickets will also often nest beneath decorative planters and any potted plants. Try to keep planters and potted plants a good distance from your doorways, walkways, and windows. Check under them regularly for signs of insects. If you do find any nests fill them in with dirt or pebbles to prevent re-infestation. Store any fire logs at least twenty feet away from your home to prevent hiding spots, and keep gutters and pathways clear of leaves and other debris. Keep your yard mowed regularly and weed garden areas to prevent a food source for these critters. Pruning shrubs near your home can help deter crickets as well.

MAKE SOME SIMPLE CHANGES TO EXTERIOR LIGHTS

Crickets and other insects are attracted to light so consider limiting outdoor lighting. Keep your home securely lit by installing motion-activated lights, or switch existing lights to amber colored bug lights. This type of specialty bulb can give you the safety of outdoor lighting without attracting unwanted critters.

SEAL CRACKS AROUND YOUR FOUNDATION, WINDOWS AND DOORS

Despite your best efforts to deter these noisy pests, they can easily find their way into your home. Crickets can enter your basement through small cracks in the foundation or through door and window seals. A good starting point is to check for gaps around doors and windows. Feel for air temperature change around edges where the two different building materials meet. Replace any weather stripping that appears damaged and apply exterior caulk around any obvious open spaces.

If you are experiencing a cricket problem, the team at Spence's Pest Control can help with treating your home to prevent crickets and other unwanted pests. Contact Spence's Pest Control at 804-741-4100 to schedule an appointment.