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You might have run around the field catching crickets when you were a kid (I know I did, and I enjoyed it for whatever reason), but they aren’t as harmless as we might have thought. Sure, it’s all fun and games while they’re out and about in nature, but once they infest your home, it’s a pain to get rid of crickets.
That‘s it unless you know-how. See, the process of cricket removal isn’t complicated, but it does take a sharp eye. Crickets usually don’t reproduce too rapidly, but once the time comes for their eggs to hatch – you’re in for a lot of trouble.
Female crickets usually lay nearly 200 eggs during the season. This might seem like a lot (and it is) but they take a full year to hatch. So, if you encounter their eggs, you should have plenty of time to get rid of them. Of course, you may be unlucky enough to find the eggs right as they’re about to hatch, which is a problem in itself.
Crickets are enjoyable to listen to when they’re singing outside in the grass during the summer months, but if you’ve never had a cricket in your home (until now), then you have no idea how mind-shattering their calls can be. Crickets are extremely loud and if they’re hidden in the room you’re sleeping in – goodbye quality sleep.
So, it’s in your best interest to do everything in your power to get rid of them. You don’t necessarily need to kill them (plus, it’s relatively difficult and tedious attempting to kill hundreds of crickets if an infestation is so large).
Here’s what you should do:
Cricket Damage
Crickets aren’t dangerous to humans in any way. They’re simply unnerving to look at and handle (at least for me) so if you’re one of these people – don’t worry, there are methods of cricket removal that don’t involve you making physical contact with them, or coming near them.
So, what’s up with them? Are they really such troublemakers that they need removal, other than the fact that they’re trespassing?
The truth is, they are. Crickets don’t just drive you crazy with their maddening whine, they also destroy wool, silk, linen, and cotton. Basically, if they end up in your closet or find your clothes just laying about – they’re as good as gone. Crickets work very fast and have been known to ruin clothes in a very short period of time.
On top of that, whatever natural fibers you have in your home (such as wool rugs), they’re potentially exposed to crickets. But the ‘fun’ doesn’t stop there – crickets are also fully capable of ruining your wall coverings and anything made of wood. In short, everything that’s made from natural materials in your home can be ruined by crickets.
Luckily, there are many methods related to cricket removal and most of them are very effective. So, sit tight, focus, and learn a lot – all of this info will come in handy if you have a cricket infestation!
Get Rid of Crickets Using Organic Ways
Before you go for the pesticide route, remember that pesticides are dangerous to not only the pests themselves, but to you, your pets, and your kids as well.
Any lapse in judgment or care can lead to serious health problems so always attempt to do something using completely natural ways.
Of course, if all else fails, pesticides are sometimes the only solution (which we’ll cover soon enough). Just remember – natural and organic first, chemicals later.
Methods of Cricket Removal
- Child Recruitment – Okay, okay, it might sound harsh, but it really isn’t. When I was younger, my grandparents used to give me a small amount of cash (enough to buy an ice cream I guess) to catch a couple of crickets inside the house. You wouldn’t believe how effective this can be. Just give the kids a jar and tell them to catch the crickets and place them inside the jar. Also, tell them to be careful so the crickets don’t escape!
- Boric Acid – Boric acid is a huge enemy for crickets. However, we don’t recommend using it if you have pets or small children (as it is dangerous).
- Cats – Cats are actually great at catching crickets (as well as rodents). They don’t require too much maintenance or attention because, well, they’re cats. But, they will start hunting down the crickets so they’re pretty effective at keeping your home cricket-free!
- Frogs/Toads – Technically, these are also good. However, keeping them as pets can prove a bigger nuisance than the crickets themselves so it’s up to you. If you think that keeping a pet frog is good for you – go for it. Otherwise, choose other options.
- Orange Guard – Orange Guard is a familiar product to those that have previously encountered cricket infestations. It is completely natural and it’s made from plant extract (approved by EPA and contains only safe ingredients). Those of you that don’t know anything about this product – I highly recommend it. It is entirely capable of dealing with a cricket infestation.
- Vacuum – Vacuuming may not be as easy but it should do the job. Keep in mind, however, that the crickets you vacuum will most likely die. Always check your vacuum cleaner once you’re done and dispose of everything. Any crickets left alive should be either released or killed (if released, choose an area far away from your house).
Note: Crickets are cannibals. They aren’t nice creatures and have been known to eat other crickets which are weaker than them. - Sticky Paper – Sticky paper is an effective method of catching the crickets, but you’ll still need to get rid of them after they’ve been caught. Again, either kill them or release them far away from your home.
- Molasses Jar – Once they’re in – they’re in. There’s no escape after they’ve jumped inside to eat the molasses. Quite effective.
The Use of Pesticides
Pesticides are a bit of a gray area. They’re very effective but are dangerous around small children and pets.
The use of pesticides should only be left as a last-resort option.
Use Raid
Raid is a famous insecticide that most people use when it has to come to it. Raid (as well as any similar pesticide) works by influencing and destroying the insect’s nervous system.
This is the main reason why it’s so dangerous. Make sure you don’t get any of the pesticides on your skin and don’t breathe it in.
If you do decide to use a pesticide, spray your house and leave it empty for a couple of hours (take your family elsewhere, as well as your pets). Once these hours have passed, come back home but open all the windows and wait for a little bit more so there’s no residual pesticide in your house.
Again, pesticides aren’t meant to be used instantly and as your first choice because there are other, safer options that you should always choose first.
Call the Exterminators
If all else fails (and if you don’t want to use pesticides), call the professionals. They cost more money but they’ll clean your home inside out. Of course, this shouldn’t be the first option either as you’ll save a lot more money if you can manage to get rid of them yourself.
However, if you do have to call them, ask them for some tips for the future. You might learn something that’ll help you more if an infestation happens again!
The Process of Prevention
Crickets usually enter people’s homes through small holes. However, the most common method of cricket entry is actually an open door.
Whenever people go outside to do something quickly (such as gather the laundry which was drying outside, or anything similar), they leave the house door open. You wouldn’t believe how many times infestations happen due to crickets entering people’s homes this way.
So, your first order of business would be to always close everything behind you. Don’t give them the opportunity to infest your home. Additionally, make sure you go out and actually search your house for cracks and openings.
Houses aren’t completely stable; they’ll contract and settle all the time so if there weren’t any cracks last year, maybe there is this year due to rain, drought, etc.
Windows are also an opportunity for the crickets to come in so close to them or install a net. On top of that, your basement (if your house has it) is also a popular location in which crickets like to hide. Any window screens or nets that you might have a need to be inspected as well and repaired if there’s any damage.
Regarding plants – grass and weeds must be eliminated if they’re close to your home. Plants also need to be moved (if possible) because they attract crickets. Get rid of any rocks that are near your home too since these insects like to use them as shelter.
That should basically be it! Good luck with removing the crickets!
