What are house crickets?
- Color: Yellowish brown with 3 dark cross bands on head
- Shape: Long, winged
- Size: 3/4 – 7/8 inch
- Region: All
- Habits: House crickets are nocturnal or active at night and usually hide in dark warm places during the day. Outside, they feed on plants and dead or live insects, including other crickets. Indoors, house crickets can feast on fabric, eating large areas, leaving holes and are especially attracted to clothes soiled with perspiration. When cold weather approaches, they seek shelter in houses and sheds because of the moisture and warmth they provide.
- Threats: Clothing and carpets can become damaged when house crickets enter homes. They typically feed on the surface, leaving the area roughened from pulling the fibers loose while eating.
- Prevention: Reduce areas of moisture in and around your Pleasanton home. Mow the lawn, weed plant beds and move woodpiles away from the structure. Provide adequate ventilation in crawlspaces, basements, etc. In addition, change outdoor lighting to less-attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lamps. It is also important to seal possible points of entry for house crickets around the house, including window and door frames.
What are Jerusalem crickets?
- Color: Light to dark brown, often mottled with dark bands on some segments
- Shape: Humpbacked with long, very enlarged hind legs
- Size: 1/3- 1 1/2 in
- Region: All
- Habits: Jerusalem crickets are nocturnal, or active at night, and hide during the day. They often overwinter as young nymphs or adults. Females lay their eggs in early spring and they hatch during April. Jerusalem crickets do not chirp. Jerusalem crickets leap when they are frightened since it’s the only defense mechanism they have to scare off predators.
- Threats: Jerusalem crickets do not pose any health threats to humans, but they can become a nuisance if they gain entry to the home. Some species have been known to damage clothing and other fabrics like curtains.
- Prevention: Reduce areas of moisture in and around the home. A dehumidifier is recommended to prevent moisture build up indoors. Additionally, homeowners should seal all possible points of entry around the house, keep crawl spaces, basements and attics well ventilated, and store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.
How do I get rid of crickets?
If you are ready to get rid of crickets from your property, reach out to the local pest control experts at Patriot Pest Management. Our customized services performed by our knowledgeable and friendly experts eliminate pests and stop them from coming back.
At Patriot Pest Management, we won’t hesitate to go the extra mile to ensure that our customers are happy and their properties are free of pests. For exceptional home pest control or commercial pest control services in the Greater Bay Area and surrounding counties of California, contact Patriot Pest Management today!
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