Crickets
About
What are crickets?
Well-known for the humpbacked appearance that earns them their nickname of 'camel crickets,' cave crickets belong to the order Orthoptera and the family Rhaphidophoridae. This classification encompasses many insects that can produce sounds, also known as stridulation, by rubbing their wings against each other or their legs. However, unlike other cricket species, cave crickets lack wings and sound-producing organs, so they don't chirp or produce the typical cricket noise.
Cave crickets in our homes are typically light to dark brown, with dark mottled bands on their bodies. They grow to about an inch and a half in length and often frighten people due to their large appearance, long legs, and tendency to jump at anyone they deem as a threat. Cave crickets have a lifespan of about one to two years, making infestations of these pests particularly troublesome.
Are crickets dangerous?
Cave crickets are not particularly dangerous as they don't bite or possess any venom. They are also not known to spread diseases or carry pathogens into structures. However, cave crickets can be dangerous to your property, as they love to chew on natural and synthetic fibers. They will eat their way through rugs, upholstered furniture, boxes, linen, curtains, and clothing, a habit that may require costly replacement of the items around your property.
Where do crickets live?
These insects love living in caves, hence the name cave cricket. They prefer dark, secluded, moist locations, which means that you may also find the cave cricket around damp leaves, stones, or rotting logs. They enjoy similar damp, cool, and hidden environments when they invade human structures, causing them to gravitate to basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
How do I get rid of crickets?
Contact our Nassau County pest management technicians at All State Pest Control to get rid of cave crickets for good. Not only can we inspect your property and properly identify active pests, but we can tailor treatment plans to your needs and safely and effectively get rid of cave crickets. So, instead of dealing with these large jumping pests by yourself, let All State Pest Control help you out.
How can I prevent crickets in the future?
If you want to prevent a cave cricket infestation before it has a chance to take hold of your property, you can follow some of our simple tips below.
- Reduce moisture around your property by treating leaks and drainage issues. Also, consider using a dehumidifier in interior areas to eliminate any excess pools of water or moist conditions.
- Seal cracks around your windows, doors, and foundation to stop these pests from getting inside in pursuit of easy shelter.
- Make sure to cut down long grass and remove leaf litter and debris from outdoor areas to eliminate hiding areas for cave crickets.