Crickets

What are crickets?

The cricket is a type of insect that is related to the grasshopper. These insects prefer to live outside, scavenging on decaying animal and plant matter. Their feeding habits help speed up the recycling of dead organic matter. 

People usually only pay attention to the presence of crickets if they hear them chirping in the evening or they decide to move into their homes. While crickets are not among the most frequent pests visiting our Cedar Park homes, they occasionally find their way inside. 

We usually identify crickets by their dull black, brown, or grayish coloring, long antennae, and wings bent at an angle. Their most notable feature is their large pair of back legs that allow them to jump. Use this guide to learn more about crickets in Cedar Park and how best to keep them out of your home.

Are crickets dangerous?

Crickets pose some dangers when they find their way into our homes because they live in decaying debris areas. Not only are they annoying inside our homes, they can cause some physical damage. They will chew holes in cardboard, bedding, clothing, curtains, and other fabrics. Furthermore, sharing your home with crickets is unnerving. The constant chirping and quick movement can make people uncomfortable in their homes.

Why do I have a cricket problem?

Crickets become a problem in our yards, near our houses, because they like to live in damp, dark places. These insects will gather in gardens, flowerbeds, dense vegetation, woodpiles, and yard debris. While these insects prefer to live outside, if our Texas temperatures get too high, they will migrate toward areas of moisture and shade. Our homes, garages, and sheds often provide them with the relief they are looking for. Spaces under doors, cracks in the foundation, and openings around wires and cables are common entry points.

Where will I find crickets?

Crickets prefer to live outside areas of dense vegetation and in dark, damp places. Some of their most common habitats include:

• Fields
• Meadows
• Caves
• Rock piles
• Wood piles
• Gardens
• Flower beds
• Spaces under decks and patios

Once they get inside our homes, they will quickly migrate to areas that mimic their outdoor habitats — dark, quiet storage areas like basements, crawl spaces, closets, and wall voids. We also find them in cardboard boxes, clutter, and storage clothing and bedding.

How do I get rid of crickets?

The fastest and most effective way to get rid of crickets is through professional pest control services. These pests are not only annoying but are destructive. After contacting Lakeline Pest Control for help, our professionals will provide you with the services necessary to eliminate the crickets currently on your property and the ongoing support to stop them from returning. Trust our family-owned and operated company to help your family maintain a pest-free home. To learn more about our residential pest control service or request a free estimate, please get in touch with us today!

How can I prevent crickets in the future?

Use these tips to help prevent crickets from entering your home in the future:

• Ensure all exterior doors, especially basement ones, have door sweeps installed.
• Repair damaged screens or weatherstripping.
• Inspect boxes, bags, potted plants, and firewood brought inside from the outside for hiding crickets. 
• Seal spaces around wires and pipes entering your home.
• Rake back leaves and other debris from your home’s exterior that crickets like to hide under.

Furthermore, areas of moisture will attract the attention of crickets, so repairing leaky pipes and ventilation issues is necessary. Additionally, dehumidifiers can go a long way in preventing problems with crickets. For the best cricket control in Cedar Park, reach out now.