Crickets (Acheta Domesticus (Linnaeus))

What are crickets?

The most common species of cricket for Oklahoma property owners to experience is the house cricket. This pest gets its name from how often they enter houses. Originally from Europe, this pest is found throughout the United States.

House crickets are a light yellowish-brown in color with three dark cross-bands located on their heads. Adult crickets grow to between three-quarters and seven-eighths of an inch in length and possess thread-like antennae. Also, adult crickets boast wings, whereas the nymphs lack wings but otherwise look the same.

Are crickets dangerous?

Fortunately, house crickets aren't dangerous nor do they pose health risks to humans. However, they are known to cause property damage when left unchecked; this often shows up as damage to clothing, carpets, and other fabric-covered surfaces.

How do I know if I have a cricket problem?

Crickets aren't inclined to hide as much as other pests, which means the single greatest way to detect an infestation is to observe the crickets themselves. You'll find them in the warmest and wettest rooms within buildings. Crickets are also loud, thanks to the male cricket rubbing its front wings together to attract a female. This action occurs at night thanks to crickets being nocturnal.

The last sign that you might have a cricket infestation on your hands is observing any chewed fabric. Look for mandible marks to ensure it's a cricket instead of another pest. The marks are less than one millimeter wide, so you'll need a magnifying glass or something similar to see these marks.

Where will I find crickets?

When the weather is warm, house crickets actually prefer to live outdoors and are usually discovered near garbage dumps. In addition, they're also attracted to electric lights, which is why it's possible to find dozens, if not hundreds, on vertical surfaces like light poles. This pest will seek shelter in houses or sheds during cold weather thanks to the moisture and warmth provided.

What do crickets eat?

Outside, the house cricket will generally feed on various plants as well as dead or live insects, including other crickets. When indoors, they'll dine on fabric. Materials like cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers are especially attractive to house crickets.

How can I prevent crickets in the future?

There are ways to lower the chances of a cricket infestation in your home. Some of the most popular include:

• Vacuum up crickets and their eggs.
• Reduce areas of moisture.
• Utilize proper landscaping.
• Maintain adequate ventilation in crawl spaces, basements, and other similar spots.

For complete cricket control and removal, nothing works as well as professional assistance from a trained pest control company. That's why our team at Guaranteed Pest Service of Oklahoma is standing by, ready to utilize more than 45 years of combined knowledge and experience to ensure crickets or any other pest is no longer a problem.

Learn more about our home pest control options and commercial pest management solutions.

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