Who hasn’t heard that iconic chirping noise that crickets make? We’ve all been there. It’s the middle of the night, you’re trying to sleep, and it seems the only thing you can hear, aside from the faint rustling of the trees, is a distinct sound that can only come from one creature: a cricket.
Certain species of crickets rub their wings together to make the infamous noise we all know too well. Something you may not know, however, is that only male crickets can make the noise. The loud chirping, which is called stridulation, is the male cricket’s way of attracting his female mate.
Common Crickets In Plano
Here in Plano, late summer to early fall usually brings crickets around. Most of us don’t know too much about them other than the noise they make, but there’s more to them than their incessant singing. Here are some of the most common crickets in Texas and some of the main characteristics you can use to distinguish them from one another.
Field Crickets
- Can grow to over 1 inch long
- Dark brown/black
- Large hind legs for jumping
- Wings and slender antennae
House Crickets
- Usually ⅞ inch long
- Yellow/brown with three dark bands on their head
- Long, distinct antennae
- Wings and long back legs
- Make a notorious chirping sound by rubbing wings together
Cave & Camel Crickets
- Up to 1½ inches long
- Light to dark brown in color
- Arched back and bent head; hump-back/camel appearance
- Wingless with long hind legs for jumping
Problems With Crickets
Now that we’ve covered some basics, what else do you need to know? The good thing is that crickets are relatively harmless. Aside from the discomfort of discovering a household intruder, and the annoying sounds they make in the middle of the night, they are not as dangerous as some other pests. That doesn’t mean there are no consequences at all, however. Here are some of the problems that come from crickets getting inside of your home:
- They cause damage to small houseplants, wallpaper, and personal property.
- They chew through and stain fabrics (curtains, clothing, furniture, etc.)
- They leave droppings around your home, spread disease, and contaminate food and vulnerable surfaces.
- They make annoying chirping noises at night.
- They reproduce rapidly.
- Preventing Crickets
Considering the damage and disturbance that crickets can cause, it’s no wonder why we don’t want them hanging around our Plano properties. The best approach to take when it comes to cricket control, and pest control in general, is to be proactive. Some protective measures can go a long way in reducing your exposure to cricket activity. Here are some useful cricket prevention tips to keep in mind:
- Maintain proper storage and regular removal of the garbage.
- Maintain well-trimmed landscaping, yard, and lawn.
- Mop, sweep, and vacuum your floors regularly.
- Reduce moisture around the home with proper ventilation.
- Seal up any cracks, crevices, and holes around the home.
- Store your food (including pet food) in sealed, airtight containers.
Remembering to implement the tactics above can be extremely helpful in keeping crickets away from your property, but they’re still not 100% reliable. The best, most effective way to keep crickets out of your home is with ongoing services from pest professionals.
How All-Safe Pest & Termite Can Help
All-Safe Pest & Termite is Plano’s number-one source for quality cricket control and prevention solutions that you can count on all year long. We prioritize maintaining a good rapport and relationship with our valued customers, so you know you can count on us no matter what pest problems may arise. Get in touch with us today and we’ll set up your initial inspection as soon as possible. We look forward to your call.