While some people enjoy their cheerful chirping on balmy summer nights, others view crickets as much more than just pleasant background noise. Crickets can actually be a big nuisance for homeowners. Not only do crickets eat anything they come across, from clothing to boxes to books, their constant chirping can drive anyone crazy, especially when they make their way into a bathroom or other space that echoes.
From field crickets to house crickets, there are many common cricket species in Idaho. Today we will explore the potential health risks they pose and the types of damage they inflict on homes, landscaping, and farms. If you get overrun with crickets, your best bet is to hire a cricket control company in Boise.
Potential Health Risks of Crickets
Even though crickets don’t pose direct or significant health risks to humans, they can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Also, if ingested by accident, their feces and body parts can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. The danger they pose is more focused on property and landscape destruction. Here’s a look at why they are such a nuisance:
Damage to Homes and Landscaping
- Chewing: Crickets aren’t too choosy about which materials they will eat, consuming anything from fabric to paper to organic matter. As such, they can cause costly damage to clothing, wallpaper, and garden plants.
- Structural: Crickets like to chew on wallpaper or fabric, which can leave behind unsightly holes and aesthetic damage on walls and furniture.
- Lawn and garden: Crickets feed on the roots of plants and grass, leaving behind patches of dead or dying vegetation.
Entry Into Cascade Homes
Like other pests, crickets get into homes through common entry points, such as:
- Cracks and crevices: Small openings in windows, walls, and doors.
- Doors and windows: Crickets crawl under doors or through gaps around the window frames.
- Vents and pipes: They can crawl into your homes via these entry points.
How to Identify a Cricket Infestation
- Listen for chirping sounds. Male crickets make a distinctive chirping sound when they are trying to attract females, and it’s more noticeable at night.
- Look for damaged items. Check for chewed fabrics, paper, or plants.
- Visually inspect the home. Take a look around for live crickets or their droppings in the house.
Taking Preventive Measures
Prevention is the best way to ensure you don’t have to deal with a cricket infestation. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
- Seal entry points. Caulk and seal cracks, gaps, and openings in doors, windows, and walls.
- Reduce moisture. Remove sources of standing water and excess moisture in or around the home.
- Change outdoor lighting. Use yellow insect-resistant outdoor lights instead of bright lights which can attract crickets.
When to Call the Pros
If you’ve tried the above DIY methods but nothing seems to work, call a pest control company in Donnelly for:
- Professional inspection: Your pest control techs in Donnelly and surrounding areas can provide comprehensive assessments to identify the type and extent of infestation.
- Customized treatment plans: They can offer tailored strategies using traps, insecticides, and other effective methods.
- Long-term solutions: They can provide ongoing monitoring to ensure a cricket-free environment.
While crickets may seem harmless, the potential for damage and nuisance can’t be ignored. It’s important to understand their habits, implement preventive measures, and seek professional pest control assistance in Idaho to keep a cricket infestation at bay.
Contact Eco Pest Control
Here at Eco Pest, we take a proactive approach to pest management. If you suspect you have crickets in and around your home, and you’ve tried DIY methods to no avail, contact us at 208-600-8734 for a free quote and inspection.
