Crickets survive best in warm to hot climates with plenty of moisture. They usually live outdoors in fields, mulch and wood piles. Tall weeds and thick shrubs are other preferred habitats for crickets. Since their natural habitats are in wooded or grassy areas, they’ll congregate in places near homes that create similar conditions, such as piles of leaves, lumber or other landscaping debris.

Crickets move indoors when looking for food, water or shelter from cool weather. They’re also attracted by lights and sometimes swarm toward the bright lights of buildings. Sheds, garages and houses offer easy sources of the warmth and moisture they need.

When crickets enter through broken window screens or the entry points of utility lines, It is usually via bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. The humidity and access to food in these areas provides resources for hundreds of crickets. During the late summer and fall, indoor infestations can quickly escalate out of control.

House crickets are nocturnal insects that eat various fabrics, such as wool and silk. Clothing and upholstered furniture are typical targets for cricket infestations. They’ll also eat paper, rubber, synthetic fabrics, plants, pet food and vegetables.

Crickets are most recognizable by their famous “chirping” sound. By rubbing their two forewings together, they produce this loud, high-pitched sound. Male crickets use different chirps for calling to mates, warning others of danger or fighting.

Crickets don’t carry diseases or put humans at risk of danger, directly. They become damaging pests when their numbers increase significantly. Large infestations can destroy clothing and furniture, stain fabrics with their droppings and cause frustration with their loud chirping.

These insects lay their eggs in the winter, where they remain until they hatch in the spring. It takes 2 to 3 months for young crickets to mature into adults. Once matured, they use their wings to search for mates. This is why large swarms tend to infest buildings in the late summer and early fall. Hundreds or thousands of crickets might be attracted to the lights inside and enter through open doors, cracks in exterior walls or holes in the roof.

Crickets typically live in the woods or fields with tall grass. An uncut lawn or piles of wood or bricks around the walls of your house can bring these insects onto your property. Poor drainage that leaves mulch or grass full of moisture creates ideal living conditions for crickets.

Crickets move indoors for humidity, warmth and food. If your home has dark, humid areas (attics, crawl spaces, bathrooms), it could attract unwanted crickets. Leaving windows or doors open can let in crickets attracted by the light. Since the diet of a cricket is so varied, many things in the home can become easy food sources for crickets that get inside.

Cricket infestations can grow quickly, particularly around the fall season. They can damage furniture, carpets and clothing, creating a mess and making a lot of noise. The surest way to control these pests and prevent future infestations is to call Aptive Environmental for professional cricket removal.

You can also help prevent crickets from entering your home by following these tips:

1. Use caulking to close holes and cracks in the exterior walls or foundation of your home.

2. Keep your lawn short and clean up leaves, woodpiles and any other piles of materials around the walls.

3. Use yellow lights that are less attractive to crickets and other insects.

4. Make sure all areas of the home are well-ventilated, especially storage areas. Reduce clutter and clean these areas regularly.

5. Call your local Aptive branch for a same-day cricket control solution.