Crickets may seem harmless enough, but don’t let their innocent appearance fool you because these insects will eat through just about any type of fabric, causing all sorts of damage. Plus, an infestation of crickets leaves your home vulnerable to spiders and other pests. Don’t wait for an infestation to occur before you take action. Instead, follow these three effective preventive pest control measures to keep crickets out.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
One of the best ways to prevent a cricket infestation is by sealing off all cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation walls. Even if the gaps seem too small for these pests, seal them anyway because crickets can squeeze themselves into even the tiniest cracks. It helps to use a mirror to inspect for gaps in hard-to-reach areas. Caulking and spray foam are two good options for sealing out crickets and other types of pests.
Avoid Clutter
As the weather turns colder, house cricket problems tend to rise as these insects seek warm shelter in places like garages, crawl spaces and basements. Crickets often make their nests amidst clutter and debris, so it’s always a good idea to keep basements and garages tidy. Since crickets are most active at night, they generally stay hidden during the day. At night, an infestation is easier to notice because the male crickets grow noisier with their chirping songs used to attract females.
Eliminate Moisture
Crickets love damp, dark places. Piles of dead leaves, heaps of clothing and rolled-up carpets are all good candidates for a cricket nest because they attract and hold moisture. Unlike moths that create small holes, crickets are known to damage large areas of fabric. If you have a crawl space beneath your home, make sure it is well-ventilated to avoid these moisture-loving pests.
If your home is already infested, contact a reputable pest control company that knows how to get rid of crickets, first. Then prevent future infestations by following the tips outlined above.