Preferred Pest Control Cricket Season

Have Fear, Cricket Season Is Here! (Infographic)

September 15, 2015

Are crickets becoming a nuisance inside or outside your home? Is the sweet melody of crickets chirping becoming a regular occurrence? As late summer and early fall is the busiest time of year for these pesky critters, it is extremely common for them to accidentally end up seeking shelter in your home or business rather than outside. Find out why these singing insects are interested in making their way into your home and how you can take back control today!

Preferred Pest Control, Have Fear, Cricket Season is Here

The Life of a Cricket

Did you know there are more than 900 species of crickets throughout the world? Crickets are insects that are related to grasshoppers but are more closely related to katydids (bush crickets). These insects are typically brown or black in color, and approximately 1 inch in length with antennas the same diameter as their body. During the warmer months you can find crickets in fields, under rocks, or below other yard items.

Cricket Facts:

  • In many places around the world crickets are thought to bring good luck.Most active throughout the evening.
  • It is thought that crickets are able to tell the outside temperature.
  • Crickets ears are located on their legs.
  • Crickets have great vision and can see many different directions at once.
  • Male crickets use their wings to 'chirp.'
  • Crickets live for about one year.

Crickets in Iowa

The most common crickets that you will find in your home or business around Iowa are house crickets, field crickets, and camel crickets. These crickets are approximately ||special190|| -? inches long and brown in color with three dark lines across their head. They have long antenna's, and their wings lay flat on their back. During the warmer months house crickets remain outdoors, however, as the weather begins to cool down around September, they begin to explore warm, sheltered options.

Signs of a Cricket Infestation

Cricket infestations can occur both inside and outside of your home or business.
  • Outside infestations. Crickets are attracted to electric lights, therefore, during the warmer months it is not uncommon to find cricket infestations around light poles or house walls in mass numbers.
  • Inside infestations. Once inside your home, crickets are attracted to many types of clothing and fabrics such as cotton, wool and silk. Clothing or items that are moist from perspiration are especially alluring for house cricket infestations.

Detecting Cricket Damage

Cricket damage, especially house, camel, and field cricket damage, typically leave the surface that they are feeding on rough from pulling on the loose fibers. Since they are attracted to specific fabrics such as clothing or carpet, they will damage large areas of the item compared to clothes moths that normally leave small holes. Damaged fabric and the fecal pellets surrounding the damaged areas may be the easiest way to detect cricket infestations around your home.

Cricket Control and Prevention

The best way to prevent crickets from entering your home during the cooler months is to properly seal all cracks and entry points they would be able to enter from. Potential entry points include:

  • Open doors or windows
  • Cracks around poorly sealed windows
  • Siding
  • Foundation
  • Under doors
  • Siding

Are Crickets Invading Your Home? Preferred Pest Control Can Help!

It can be alarming when crickets make their way into your home. But have no fear, the professionals at Preferred Pest Control can help. As central Iowa's pest control leader for over 30 years, our technicians are determined to ensure that your home or business is safe and pest free. Don't wait - schedule an appointment today or call us at (515) 415-5550 with any questions!