The common name for this pest is "house cricket," so it’s no surprise they're generally found in residential spaces. House crickets prefer to live in environments where they can easily survive, and your Fort Worth, TX, home is the perfect place to settle in for the long haul.
Once a house cricket population has discovered an accessible entry point, they will move into your home in large numbers. To keep this from happening, protect your Fort Worth residence from unwanted house crickets with the help of a licensed pest control professional.
House Cricket Identification
House crickets have large, powerful back legs that allow them to hop around with great ease. They are light yellowish-brown in color, with three dark bands across their head, long antennae, wings, and an average length of ¾ - 7/8 of an inch.
Crickets are one of those pests that have both positive and negative connotations. Not only are they seen as a friendly conscience guide, but they are also known for their culinary qualities. Some may find this idea unthinkable, while others consider chocolate-covered crickets a delectable delicacy.
Many of us are familiar with the iconic chirping noise associated with crickets. Males of certain species, including the house cricket, are the only ones that can produce this sound when they rub their wings together. The purpose of this chirping is to attract females, and it often occurs in the evening.
House crickets chirping through the night can become quite irritating to humans trying to rest. Instead of losing sleep over it, team up with an experienced pest control specialist for your Fort Worth home.
What You Should Know About House Crickets
House crickets live outside in garden areas where they help control small insect populations. However, too many crickets in the garden can lead to damaged flowers and vegetable crops. When house crickets find their way into your home, they chew holes in clothing, blankets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
Most crickets in Fort Worth don’t have mouthparts strong enough to break through human skin, but those that do will leave behind a painful sore. This isn’t a fatal wound by any means, but there are some concerns to take into consideration.
Crickets that live outdoors are particularly fond of trash and garbage dumps. Similar to many other home-invading pests, crickets carry a significant number of pathogens that can cause human diseases. These diseases have the potential to be passed on through physical contact, fecal remnants, and bites.
House Cricket Prevention
Crickets can be found in yards, gardens, wooded areas, and nearby structures. If the weather is too hot and dry, or too cold, house crickets will seek shelter in more hospitable environments.
Reducing moisture in and around your home is the most effective way to avoid a house cricket invasion. Here are some additional prevention tips to consider:
- Reduce indoor moisture levels in damp areas with fans and dehumidifiers.
- Eliminate any areas of clutter in and around your home.
- Repair leaking pipes, faucets, spigots, or sprinklers on your property.
- Keep your lawn well-maintained. Remove fallen leaves, overgrown shrubs, tall grasses, and weeds from your property.
- Store wood piles at least 20 feet from the perimeter of your home.
- Swap out bright exterior lights with yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lamps to reduce light sources that attract insects.
- Make sure your gutters are free of debris and in good working order.
- Seal up any gaps or cracks around the exterior walls and foundation. Pay close attention to low-level windows and areas where pipes or other utilities enter your home.
Eliminate Your House Cricket Concerns
When you work with All-Safe Pest & Termite, every one of your pest control concerns will become a fleeting memory. All-Safe Pest & Termite is a family-owned and -operated pest control company that has been serving the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area for more than three decades.
As a local business, we work hard to protect the health and safety of our neighbors and our community. All-Safe Pest & Termite provides ongoing protection, eco-friendly solutions, affordable rates, and award-winning service.
To find out more about our Safe Select Pest Control Program, contact All-Safe Pest & Termite today! We offer free estimates and a pest-free guarantee.