You might have been shocked the first time you discovered that you have a cricket infestation in your Scranton, PA home. It never occurred to you that those harmless insects that chirp rhythmically outside during the summer would suddenly be keeping you awake all night. If you’re thinking, “How can I get rid of crickets?” keep reading.
What are the most common types of crickets in the Scranton area?
Crickets are seen as one of the more uncommon house pests. They don’t have any fangs or venom, making them harmless to humans and their pets.
Identifying the type of cricket dominating your Scranton home can be easier than you think.
House Crickets
House crickets (Acheta domesticus) are the most common cricket in home infestations. Adults are about ¾ of an inch to 1 inch long. They have a light, yellowish-brown color to them with long wings on their back.
House crickets are harmless most of the time. However, when in large numbers, they can be known to chew through fabrics, paper, and fruits and vegetables left on the counter. The most irritating part is the noise which they create.
Spider Crickets
Spider crickets (Ceuthophilus spp.), also known as camel crickets or cave crickets, look more intimidating than they are. Their long spider-like legs and larger bodies make for a terrifying insect. They are often a dark brown color and can range from anywhere between ½ inch to 1 ½ inch long.
Like house crickets, spider crickets are harmless. They can be prone to chew through fabrics, paper, drywall paper, and plants.
A quick way to distinguish spider crickets with house crickets is that these crickets don’t chirp.
How do crickets get into my home?
While crickets don’t carry disease or venom, their noise is undoubtedly unwanted in your home. They enter your house through crawl spaces and small cracks in your windows or walls. Crickets are drawn to light in the winter because they know light will provide warmth.
One comforting prospect is that they don’t reproduce quickly, which aids in their ultimate removal from your home!
What can I do to prevent a cricket infestation?
Crickets will seek refuge in the dark, warm, and damp spaces in your home during winter. A few great tips for preventing cricket infestation include:
- Ensuring that your windows and doors are properly sealed
- Checking your crawl space and basement routinely for excess moisture and infestation
- Keeping your bathroom and kitchen spaces dry to prevent moisture build-up
- Allowing time to clean up areas like your garage or basement to eliminate potential breeding grounds
Aside from garages and basements, the kitchen and bathroom can be the perfect nest for crickets. Check beneath your refrigerator and under sinks to ensure no pesky crickets are hiding in these warm, damp areas.
How can I get rid of the crickets in my home?
If you’ve found crickets in your home, you’re probably asking yourself, “How can I get rid of crickets?” The best way to rid crickets in your home is with indoor and outdoor cricket repellants and treatments.
Handling these chemicals can be dangerous for the average homeowner. It’s best to seek the professionals at Seitz Bros. Not only do we have the best, professional equipment and expertise for the job, but we know which areas of your home to target that will prevent an infestation in the future.
How can Seitz Bros remove the crickets in my home?
The specialists at Seitz Bros. can determine the best route to take when ridding your home of crickets. With quality expertise and industry knowledge, our professional exterminators can analyze cricket entry points around your home and the preventative measures that will be taken to get rid of them for good. Call us or fill out our contact form to get started on your pest removal today.
