Some say that crickets symbolize peace in the environment. Folklore says the chirp of a cricket tells you that there is no danger lurking in the corner. Many people see crickets as their lucky charm. So, why is there a need to exterminate them?
Crickets are vital parts of our ecosystem. However, they are responsible for damaging crops and young plants. In addition, there are crickets that infest homes and cause a nuisance to human beings.
To the light sleepers, crickets at night are their enemies. Since these creatures make their presence known through their loud chirping, it can be detrimental to people who are trying to get some sleep. The chirping sound is produced when they run their top wings over their bottom wings. It is their way of attracting female crickets for mating.
Cricket Facts
Crickets are one of the most common insects in New England and the United States. You can hear them anywhere from spring to fall. These creatures are related to grasshoppers but are smaller and drabber in color. Just like their cousins, they have strong back legs which allow them to hop a considerable distance.
Crickets grow up to 1 inch long. They are brown to black in color. Did you know that there are four types of crickets?
House Crickets
Despite their name, house crickets stay outdoors but may come indoors in considerable numbers. The adult house crickets have three dark bands on their heads. They are an inch long and are yellowish-brown in color.
These creatures eat almost anything such as silk and wools. They also eat fruits, vegetables, including rubber. These creatures stay hidden during the day and come out at night. Indoors, they can be found in kitchens, fireplaces, basements. Also, they can hide on cracks and crevices of walls and floors.
Field Crickets
These creatures are widely distributed in the US. It is longer than the house cricket and is grey or black in color. You can often these creatures United States. This cricket is a bit longer than the House Cricket and is dark brown to grey or black. Field crickets can be seen in overgrown grass, flower beds, and lawns. However, they make their way inside houses when the temperature gets extreme for them.
Entomologists regard field crickets as overwintering insects. They usually lay their eggs in the soil. These eggs hatch in the spring and develop into adults in the summer. The average lifespan of a field cricket is 90 days.
Camel Crickets
This type of cricket is also known as the hump-back cricket because of its hump-back appearance. These creatures are light to dark brown in color and could grow up to one and a half-inch long. Unlike most crickets, camel crickets do not have wings.
Just like house crickets, camel crickets feed on anything but they focus more on clothes. You can often see them in cool and damp areas such as logs and stones. In extreme numbers and circumstances, you could see them crawling in your basement.
Mole Crickets
The adults are more rounded than the other cricket species. They are winged and can grow up to 1.25 inches long. From the name itself, they are underground most of the time. Because of this, they are rarely seen on the ground.
These crickets usually outlive the winter underground. They mate twice a year, in spring and fall. During this time, their holes will be more visible to human beings. Mole crickets are wingless when they are nymphs. They cause great damage when they become numerous, especially in the summer.
According to entomologists, adult mole crickets appear during late winter and early spring. You can often see them on driveways, sideways, and pools. They are greatly attracted to light.
Mole Cricket Damage Symptoms
If you have a lawn and garden, mole crickets are one of your worst enemies. They can damage the soil through their tunnels.
The nymphs and adult mole crickets feed on roots and stems. If your lawn or garden is infested, expect to have dead plants around.
These crickets target Bermuda grass. Knowing that this grass is used to beautify our lawn, an infestation could cause unhealthful results.
What Are The Signs Of An Infestation?
The most obvious sign of a cricket infestation is the presence inside and outside of our home. For mole crickets, however, it is the dying plants and tunnels on the ground.
Furthermore, if you can hear the endless chirping of crickets at night, that will tell you where they are and how many they are. Since crickets feed on anything, damaged fabric and food could be another sign. So, it is best to be keen in observing what goes on in your environment.
According to experts, you can also see mandible marks along chewed edges. If you see multiple marks that are about 1 mm wide, it could be the cause of an infestation.
Cricket Prevention
If you are unsure of the mole cricket infestation, you can prove your theory through this method. All you need to do is mix 1-2 oz of liquid dishwashing soap to a gallon of water. Start at the outer edge of the cricket-infested area and soak it. If there are mole crickets, they will start to emerge. This technique is also effective if you are confirming the infestation of Chinch Bugs.
If you want to prevent the infestation of crickets indoors, make sure to seal any entrance they can use. This includes gaps and cracks on windows, floors, and walls. Also, inspect the areas where plumbing and wires enter the house. This could also be a potential entryway for crickets.
In another light, you could use a low-impact insecticide to repel crickets from your lawn. You can purchase this in department stores. Make sure to read the instructions on the label before use. Furthermore, check its accreditation from the EPA.
How To Control Mole Crickets
Great timing means everything to get rid of crickets. To be more effective, you need to target them while they are still nymphs. These creatures do not cause as much damage as adults. Plus, they are more fragile and susceptible to the effects of treatments.
According to experts, you can use Imidacloprid .5 Granules by the end of May or beginning of June. These granules are known to last 3-6 months. The eggs hatch from mid-June to July. This is the prime time to apply liquid insecticides such as Bifen XTS. If you choose to use Imidacloprid .5 Granules, you can apply it in June and it will last all summer.
Treatment House Crickets, Field Crickets, & Camel Crickets
Experts recommend using these products: Cyper WSP, D-FenseSC, and LambdaStar UltraCap 9.7. All you need to do is spray the LambdaStar Ultracap 9.7 on every entrance including doors, windows, plumbing areas, sinks, washers, baseboards, and basement areas. The effects of this product will last for more than 3 months. However, if you do not want to use this residual insecticide use Intice 10 Perimeter Bait.
You can use these granules inside and outside your home in non-food areas. These include crawl spaces, garages, or the perimeter of the home.
House Crickets: Elimination & Prevention
If you want to get rid of their eggs, it pays off to vacuum your floors and walls frequently. This is known as the most cost-effective way to prevent and reduce the population of house crickets. After you vacuum, make sure to throw away the contents of the vacuum bag to prevent any more cricket eggs from hatching inside your house.
To prevent them from infesting, reduce the moisture inside your home. Check your pipes and plumbing areas for any leaks. Fix these immediately. You can also use a dehumidifier to help get rid of excess moisture. This method will not only help prevent crickets but also roaches and mice which are also common household pests.
According to experts, mow the lawn regularly and remove any weed you’re your garden. Also, remove any woodpile from your home properly.
To prevent crickets, experts recommend changing the light bulbs to less attractive sodium yellow bulbs or vapor lamps.
Will Pest Control Kill Crickets?
If you are using pesticides directly to kill crickets then it will kill them instantly. In doing so, make sure to take the necessary precautions in using pesticides and other harmful substances. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer and check its registration with the EPA.
However, if you choose to use non-chemical means to get rid of crickets, you can always make your house unattractive to them doing the DIY methods above.
If you are looking for Greensboro Exterminators, the best pest management company for you is Go-Forth Home Services. This company offers premium-quality service in the management and prevention of crickets.
We all know how valuable crickets are in the environment just not in our garden and inside our house. Go-Forth Home Services can help you achieve the optimum method for control and prevention without harming the balance in the ecosystem.