Crickets are well-known for their constant chirping which can get so loud it can keep people awake at night. If you have experienced cricket problems, it may be because of these insects finding their way indoors for refuge. That’s good for them, but not necessarily for you. Crickets are what are commonly referred to as “occasional invaders” – they do not create a lot of damage but are still a nuisance. Their chirping, in particular, can become a real headache!
Homes and businesses in California are not immune to cricket problems. The question often asked is, how do you get rid of these little critters? When they become too much of an issue, your best bet is to contact a reliable pest control company. Western Exterminator is skilled in resolving a variety of pest issues, including crickets, and our friendly and dependable specialists are ready to help.
Western Exterminator can help you eliminate crickets across Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and more. Call us at 888-444-6138 today or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
Types of crickets in California
Crickets are part of the same order as katydids and grasshoppers. The United States actually has more than 100 species of crickets. In California, you may find multiple types:
- House cricket – ¾ to ⅞ inches and yellowish brown in color, with wings. They have three dark bands on their heads.
- Field cricket – ½ to 1 ⅛ inches, and usually black. They are located in moist places like mulch and around stones.
- Camel crickets – around ½ to 1 ¼ inches long and brown. Their backs are rounded and they do not have wings.
You can tell crickets apart from grasshoppers by looking at the wings. Crickets fold their wings around their body, while grasshopper wings are positioned in a tent fashion.
What do crickets eat?
Cricket mouthparts allow them to chew, and they feed on plants, insects, and fabric like clothes. In particular, house crickets are fans of silk and cotton. House crickets may also feed on and damage paper products. Once crickets get indoors and attack fabric, this becomes a nuisance, and you should not ignore a cricket infestation. 
On the other side of the coin, mice, rats, spiders and ants are predators of crickets.
Cricket life cycle and eggs
A cricket’s life stages start out as an egg, then a nymph and then an adult adult. This three-stage life-cycle is known as simple metamorphosis.
Most species of cricket will lay their eggs in damp soil. House crickets will go through their life cycle in two or three months once the temperatures reach 80 to 90°F. When outdoors, house cricket eggs hatch late in the spring.
Field crickets typically spend the winter as eggs, and females lay 150-400 eggs.
Crickets chirping in California
When you think of crickets, of course, you usually think of chirping sound. This may be what most bothers you the most if they get inside. Males crickets make the noise. They do this by rubbing one wing against another, which is called stridulation. Males make this noise to attract females for mating.
When sitting outside in the spring or summer, cricket chirps may be pleasant and peaceful. However, once indoors, cricket chirping can be annoying. Whether you’re trying to relax at home or trying to create a pleasant environment for customers at your California business. This noise may pester visitors, ruining their overall experience and leading to bad reviews or ruined reputations.
Crickets in the house
Crickets outdoors may not bother you, but they can become irksome when they actually get inside your house. Crickets can enter via a space under a door if it has poor weather stripping, such as a garage door. They can also get inside through cracks in siding, or the foundation. Any opening leading outdoors, including holes for electrical cables or cable TV, can allow them access.
A house cricket may find their way down into a basement or crawlspace as they prefer dark, warm, moist, spaces.
How to get rid of crickets
You can help prevent crickets on your own. They are attracted to light so, minimize light at night or switch lights from white to yellow. Also, maintain a mulch depth of 2 inches or less, so it won’t retain as much moisture, where crickets can breed.
If you think you have a cricket infestation at your Golden State home or business, don’t let it linger. A pest control professional from Western Exterminator can help you eliminate these pests and their persistent chirping. Western knows how to get rid of crickets. We are experts in California cricket control and will take care of your issue to ensure the crickets are gone.
When you contact us, we will inspect your property to learn more about the problem and identify openings where crickets are entering. Treatment may include outdoor baiting and application of pest control products to entry points, such as door thresholds.
Western Exterminator is here to help you get rid of crickets in California. Have you heard crickets chirping? Reach out to us right away!
