One of the most common pests in the united states that can feed from weeds, grass and other leaf waste. Both rain and drought cause crickets to migrate, many times forcing them into businesses and residences. Crickets tend to live in cracks around structures and can easily access the interior of them by sliding under the gaps below the doors. Once inside they can damage synthetic and natural fibers, which might result costly to the occupant. Male crickets have two small organs by the front wings which generate their commonly known “chirping song”. Crickets life cycle include the egg, nymph and adult stage.
Even though some people like to consume crickets as a lean protein alternative, some persons do not like to have them as pest around their homes and places of business.
There are multiple species of crickets that are common to Southern California, which include:
- Field Crickets
- Field crickets tend to be dark in color with black and brown shades
- They average to be one to one-and-half inch in size
- Normally the antennas will be longer than the body and they will have wings
- Field crickets can fly and jump far
- Normally live for about a year. Starting the egg stage in winter, to become adults by May. Most of the crickets that follow this schedule will die by the time winter comes back around
- Field crickets tend to feed from ornamental and vegetable plants that are commonly seen around homes and businesses
- They tend to infest exterior areas mainly
- House Crickets
- House Crickets are very similar looking to Field Crickets. They as well are about an inch to inch-and-half in size; however, they tend to be light colored and have three dark bands
- House Crickets have a three-stage life cycle: Egg, Nymph and Adult
- They reproduce about once per year, most commonly they set Eggs during late summer
- Contrary to Field Crickets, the House Cricket can survive and reproduce both indoors and outdoors. This makes them a pest that if left uncontrolled can reproduce throughout the year. This is the reason many times you can hear adult crickets during winter
- Jerusalem Crickets
- The Jerusalem Cricket is also known as “Niños de la Tierra” is easy to distinguish to its counterparts as it is the largest and fatter of them
- They are light colored and do not have wings on their bodies
- They tent to reproduce in Spring and lay their Eggs in holes on the soil
- Adults tend to hide during the day under anything they can, including but not limited to:
- Rocks
- Branches
- Cracks
- Bricks
- Wood
- Etc.
- They tend to stay outdoors with the occasional accidental one that wonders indoors. However, occupants normally do not have much to worry as they do not tend to cause damage as they do not feed on fabrics
How to Control Crickets
There are a couple steps that need to be taken in order to resolve any type of cricket infestation. They will be the same if you do it yourself or if you get a professional like us take care of them.
- Inspect
- Check possible floor level hiding places like cracks, logs, stones, boxes, trash cans, etc. as well as inside cabinets with pipes or sinks and closets. This will help identify the extent and the location of the problem
- Treat
- Bait can be applied or a liquid spray with a residual pesticide can be used. Normally, the treated areas will include the perimeter of the structure, known infested areas and on commonly used nesting areas
What to do Next
Even though some people like to consume crickets as a lean protein alternative, some persons do not like to have them as pest around their homes and places of business. If you are one of those persons and you are having problem with Field, House or Jerusalem Crickets then give us a call at (619) 421 - 2101 or send us a message via our contact form and we will assist you in exterminating them.
