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cricket pest control services

Cricket Pest Control in Long Island, NY

Your Local Cricket Control Experts

Serving Long Island | Queens | Brooklyn

Crickets are often seen as harmless and perhaps even friendly, with their iconic chirping and their role as a conscience guide in popular culture. But don’t be fooled. Crickets are a nuisance and can live in your home rent-free forever if you don’t address an infestation thoroughly.

These nocturnal pests and are known for the chirping sound they make at night. You might encounter three species of crickets in the area: camel crickets (also known as spider or cave crickets), house crickets, and field crickets. But no matter the species, EM Pest Control can help. We have expert exterminators for a cricket infestation.

camel cricket
camel cricket

Camel Crickets

  • Size: 1/2 to 1.5”
  • Characteristics: light to dark brown, with a hump-back appearance.
  • Legs: 6 
     
    Habitat: They are usually found in woodpiles and mulch, but you will find them in the basement, crawl space, or garage if they get into your home. 
     
    Habits:
    • Widespread in the U.S. and lives for about two years.
    • More closely related to katydids than crickets and do not chirp.
    • When frightened, it will leap into the air as a defense mechanism to ward off predators.
    • If they get into your home, they will eat clothing and other fabric items like curtains.
House Cricket
house cricket

House Crickets

  • Size: 3/4 to 1”
  • Characteristics: light yellowish-brown and have three dark crossbands on their head
  • Legs: 6

    Habitat: 
  • Usually lives in piles of leaves, rocks, wood, compost, and more. They can usually be found in garbage dumps and are attracted to light.
  • After mating, females lay about 100 eggs in damp soil or moist indoor areas and will hatch during spring months.
  • When the temperature drops, house crickets will make their way inside homes and sheds to seek the warmth they need.
     
    Habits:
    • Chirp more frequently when the weather gets warmer.
    • Hear with their legs, possessing auditory organs located on lower forelegs.
    • Known for their loud chirping which is caused when males rub their front wings together to attract females.
    • House crickets don't pose any health threats to people, but they can damage items like carpet and upholstered furniture.
Field Cricket
field cricket

Field Crickets

  • Size: 1/2″ to 1”
  • Characteristics: Colored dark brown or black. Large heads and antennae that are longer than their body. Large powerful hind legs that they use for jumping and large hind wings.
  • Legs: 6
     
    Habitat:
    • Crickets come out to feed at night, but during the day they will hide in moist soil, under mulch, woodpiles, and rocks and other debris.
    • The females lay between 150-400 eggs which are then deposited in firm but moist soils.
    • Field crickets are often attracted to electric lights.
    • Field crickets may enter homes in the late fall and are usually found in damp basement areas and crawl spaces.
    Habits: 
    • Both male and female field crickets are capable of making “chirping” sounds
    • They are known to damage crops such as wheats, oats and rye and vegetable crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, etc., as well as fabrics, wool, leather, and silk. 

What Are the Signs of a Cricket Infestation?

Some common signs of a cricket infestation include:

  • Seeing live crickets crawling around your home (mainly moist areas such as the basement, bathrooms, crawl space and under logs).
  • Hearing chirping noises, especially at night (even though crickets are found during the day, they are most active at night).

If you suspect that you have a cricket infestation, it’s important to act quickly. Crickets can damage fabrics, their chirping can be annoying to hear inside your home, and their presence can be a nuisance.

Are Crickets Dangerous?

Crickets are generally not dangerous to humans. They do not bite or sting and are not known to carry diseases harmful to people. However, in large numbers, they can become a nuisance. Crickets may damage plants, fabrics, and paper products by chewing on them.

Their constant chirping can also be bothersome, especially indoors. Although crickets themselves are not harmful, they can attract other pests such as spiders and rodents, which could present a risk. But, overall, crickets are harmless.

Why Do I Have a Cricket Problem?

A cricket problem in your home or business can be caused by several factors. Crickets are attracted to moisture and food sources, so areas with high humidity such as in your boiler room, leaks, or standing water can draw them in. They may also be attracted to bright lights at night, so outdoor lighting can inadvertently invite them and other pests indoors.

Crickets can enter through small cracks around your foundation wall, gaps in doors or windows, and other entry points. Once inside, they can find ample food sources in the form of fabrics, paper products, and pet food. Sealing entry points, reducing moisture, and minimizing food sources, can help manage and prevent cricket infestations.

Where Are Crickets Commonly Found?

Crickets can live in fields and grasslands where they have ample food and shelter. Crickets are also often found in gardens, under rocks, and in leaf litter. They prefer warm, moist environments but can adapt to different conditions. Inside homes, crickets are typically found in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms where moisture levels are higher.

How Do I Get Rid of Crickets?

To get rid of crickets, start by sealing cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and foundations to prevent entry. Reduce moisture levels in your home by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers. Keep your home clean and free of food crumbs, and store food in sealed containers. Regularly vacuum and remove clutter where crickets can hide.

Although crickets are more of a nuisance pest, you don't want them in your home. Most have large jumping hind legs that can make it difficult to catch them. If you need help with cricket control, contact EM Pest Control for assistance.

How Can I Prevent Crickets in the Future?

To prevent crickets in the future, follow these six checkpoints:

  • Seal Entry Points: Close gaps and cracks in doors, windows, and foundations.
  • Reduce Moisture: Fix leaks and use dehumidifiers in damp areas.
  • Crickets are attracted to light. Removing light sources can help reduce the number of crickets on your property and other light-attracted insects.
  • Yard Maintenance: Keep grass short and remove debris from your yard.

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