House Cricket Control in Phoenix
Are House Crickets Dangerous?
House crickets are primarily a nuisance due to their loud chirping. However, large populations can damage fabrics, clothing, and paper products, and their presence attracts scorpions and spiders.
What Are House Crickets?
House crickets are yellowish-brown with three dark bands across their head. They measure about 3/4 to 7/8 inch long and have long, powerful hind legs for jumping.
Signs of a Cricket Infestation
The most obvious sign is the continuous, loud chirping sound made by males at night. You may also find damaged fabrics with roughened edges or small, dark droppings.
Preventing House Crickets
Reduce outdoor lighting, as crickets are drawn to it. Keep your yard clear of debris and tall grass, and seal gaps around doors and windows to block entry.
The Antidote
We apply targeted treatments to their outdoor breeding and hiding spots, and establish a protective barrier around your home to keep crickets—and the predators that eat them—out.
House Cricket FAQs
Why do crickets chirp so loudly?
Only male crickets chirp, and they do so primarily to attract females for mating. The chirping is created by rubbing a specialized scraper on one wing against a file on the other.
Do crickets attract scorpions?
Yes, crickets are a primary food source for many predators, including the Arizona Bark Scorpion. A large cricket population around your home will likely attract scorpions.
Can house crickets survive winter?
House crickets can survive indoors year-round if they find a warm, moist environment. Outdoors, they typically die off during cold winters, leaving their eggs to hatch in spring.
What do house crickets eat?
They are omnivorous scavengers that will eat almost anything, including plant material, dead insects, food crumbs, and fabrics like silk, wool, and cotton.
Do house crickets bite?
House crickets are not aggressive and their mouthparts are not designed to bite humans. While they can technically bite if handled roughly, it rarely breaks the skin.
How long do house crickets live?
In favorable indoor conditions, adult house crickets can live for a few months. Their entire life cycle, from egg to adult, typically takes about two to three months.