Occasionally crickets invade the home and become a nuisance by their presence. Their monotonous chirping can become a real irritation especially if you are trying to sleep (Chirping is only done by the males as a way to attract females, accomplished by rubbing their wings together). Crickets do not normally make your home their home and are regarded an accidental invader. Once in the home they feed on a variety of foods, fabrics and paper products.
Common Crickets
The Field Cricket is one of the most common household invaders, ranging in size from ½ inch to 1¼ inch. There are several species of Field Cricket but the most well known is a large shiny black insect, sometimes brown. They have long slender antennae and a typical stout body. Field Crickets are known for chirping both day and night.
House Crickets are about ¾ inch to 7/8 inch and are light yellowish-brown (straw-colored) in appearance with three dark bands on their heads. They have long, slender antennae, which are much longer than their body. House Crickets prefer warm areas such as the kitchen, fireplace and basement as well as cracks and crevices behind baseboards. They have a very distinctive chirping sound.
Camel Crickets are about ½ inch to 1 ½ inch and are light tan to dark brown. They are wingless with head bent down, back arched, large hind legs and long antennae. They are also known as cave or cellar crickets as they like dark places and become immobile in the presence of strong light. Unlike other crickets, they do not chirp.
Treatment
Use Pro ExterminatorTM Residual Crawling Insect Killer to eliminate pesky crickets in the home. Pro ExterminatorTM Residual Crawling Insect Killer is specially formulated to "Kill on Contact" and keep problem insects from returning up to 4 weeks.
Do
Apply spray directly into hiding places such as cracks and crevices, moist areas, openings around pipes and sinks, under refrigerators, behind baseboards and meter boxes. Spray directly on insects whenever possible. Repeat as necessary.
Avoid breathing of the spray mist and provide adequate ventilation of area being treated
Keep Out Of Reach Of Children
Read "Directions for Use" and "Precautionary Statements" on the container before using!
Preventing Crickets
Sanitation is the most effective means for eliminating crickets. Keep all areas around buildings free of moisture, dense vegetation and weeds. Mow lawns, cut weeds and clean up garbage collection areas. Never stack firewood next to the house.
Seal cracks, gaps an holes in foundation, siding, windows, doors, screens and other points of entry
Applying Pro ExterminatorTM Residual Crawling Insect Killer to areas frequented by crickets will keep crickets, and other insects, from coming back for 6 weeks.
Closely inspect all incoming cardboard boxes, bags, laundry, used/rented furniture, firewood and appliances.
