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How to prevent crickets

Cricket problems in North America vary by region and season. This page explains what draws crickets to your property, the signs to watch for, and practical ways to reduce the risk of them moving in.

Massive Mormon cricket outbreaks have caused severe damage to crops and rangeland in western states, while mole crickets regularly damage lawns and agriculture in the Southeast. Drought and heavy rainfall, often triggers population surges, resulting in dense swarms that create economic and ecological challenges. Although they rarely threaten people directly, their impact on property, crops, and landscapes can be significant.

Given the harmful effects on homes and businesses, cricket control and prevention should be a high priority. This page explains what draws crickets to your property, the signs to watch for, and practical ways to reduce the risk.

What attracts crickets to my house?

Crickets often enter homes, grocery stores, and schools by accident through open windows, doors, loading bays, and gymnasiums, drawn in by the warmth or bright lights inside. Their actions are instinct-driven; they generally only seek shelter in buildings during bad weather or to escape the cold, especially in the fall. 

 Other factors that may invite infestation include:

  • Moist, damp patches in storage units, pantries, basements, crawl spaces, or overwatered lawns
  • Outdoor lighting in entryways or courtyards that draws insects, which in turn attracts crickets
  • Easy entry points such as gaps around doors, vents, or utility lines
  • Abundant food sources such as crumbs, uncovered food, plants, pet food, or organic debris
  • Tall grass or dense landscaping close to buildings that provides shelter and easy access to food

If these conditions exist, you may notice crickets around your property foundation or see them sneaking inside when the weather changes.

Signs of a cricket infestation

It pays to be alert during colder months and when adverse weather strikes. Look out for these early warning signs that may  indicate crickets have moved in or are beginning to establish themselves in or around your property:

  • Chirping: The characteristic evening chirping sound is a primary indicator of crickets
  • Visible crickets: You might find stray crickets in kitchens, laundry rooms, or around leaky pipes
  • Dark stains: Crickets can leave dark stains on clothing and linen
  • Frayed fabrics: They may feed on fabrics, leading to frayed drapes or other textiles

If you spot these signs of crickets, it’s time to think about how to prevent them from entering properties and causing further problems. Our technicians can help with all aspects of cricket control.

How to prevent crickets in your home

Cricket prevention works best when you combine different strategies that address both the reasons crickets are attracted to your property and the ways they might get inside. You could try the following cricket prevention steps:

  • Block access points around doors, windows, vents, and foundation cracks with caulk or wire mesh
  • Keep your yard trimmed and remove piles of wood, leaves, or other clutter
  • Reduce outdoor lighting or switch to bulbs that are less attractive to insects
  • Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to make them less appealing to crickets
  • Store food, pet feed, and paper goods in sealed containers
  • Repair leaks and areas with excess moisture

These steps can help keep crickets out of the house or away from outbuildings and larger sites. However, if this fails, our technicians can provide professional prevention, exclusion, and extermination services. Contact us today for a free quote.

Expert cricket control from Western Exterminator

If you’re struggling with keeping crickets out of the house, our technicians can help. We will identify what attracts crickets, block access points, and treat problem areas. With a focus on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), our proactive approach combines advanced technology, local insight, and vast experience to safeguard your property.

Get in touch and book your free inspection today. Our services can relieve the stress of dealing with these pests on your own.

Frequently asked questions

Seal cracks and gaps, manage moisture, and remove clutter near your property to make your home less appealing. Regularly inspecting and maintaining these barriers will improve their effectiveness over time. Get in touch for help with cricket prevention.

Yes. Removing weeds, trimming grass, and reducing yard debris takes away common hiding spots. A well-maintained yard also makes it easier to spot early signs of cricket activity.

It can help, since lights attract insects that crickets feed on. Adjusting your light settings or using yellow-tinted bulbs, which are less appealing to insects, can help reduce cricket activity.

You can try natural repellents like scented plants (peppermint, lavender, citronella, or citrus plants) or physical deterrents such as diatomaceous earth. However, professional services are recommended for well-established infestations, as they address both the symptoms and the source of the problem.

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