When trying to spend time in your Quad Cities yard, the peaceful nighttime is sometimes disrupted by the loud chirping sound that crickets make. While some people don’t mind this noise too much, others find it extremely grating. But, as you’ll learn in this article, crickets are a cause for concern beyond this repetitive music.
While you likely will recognize the sound crickets make, you might not realize that it’s only males of the species who do so. This is because this is actually a mating call that they use to attract and find mates.
In the Quad Cities area, there are a few different species you can encounter, but the most common by far is the field cricket. This species moves their legs together to chirp.
This short list will help you identify the field cricket and tell them apart from other similar species such as grasshoppers:
They are black or dark brown.
They grow to be one inch or less in length.
They have six legs, but their back legs are much larger as they use them to jump.
They usually have well-developed wings.
They have long antennae.
Is Having Crickets Dangerous?
When it comes to any kind of pest, your first question is likely whether or not the pest can harm you or your property. While crickets might seem like a nuisance pest, they do pose other risks to humans.
First of all, crickets are dangerous because they have the ability to spread pathogens and diseases that can hurt people. Crickets can carry germs that cause E. coli and salmonella. Plus, they can cause painful sores in some cases if your skin comes in contact with them. Even if you don't mind their musical call you will not want these pests sharing the space in your home.
Secondly, crickets can do some property damage. While this damage is minor compared to pests like termites, they do chew on fabrics so they can ruin clothing and furniture. When outside, they can also do damage to plants.
Tips For Preventing Crickets
Because of the obnoxious chirping noises crickets make combined with the health and property risks they cause, taking steps to keep crickets away from your home is a smart idea. While these steps aren’t foolproof, they can reduce the likelihood you’ll have a cricket problem.
Here are some steps you can take to keep crickets away:
Seal up entry points by repairing any damaged screens.
Make sure that doors have weather stripping and door sweeps.
Make sure that windows and doors fit tightly in their frames.
Address moisture problems by fixing leaky plumbing.
If your home is especially humid, use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
Caulk cracks in the walls and foundation.
Get rid of the excess clutter that makes it easier for crickets to hide.
Get help from expert pest professionals in the Quad Cities.
How To Protect Your Home From Crickets
Because of the problems that come along with a cricket infestation, getting professional help to keep them away is the best course of action. At Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, our trained professionals can prevent future infestations as well as remove current ones. With nearly 100 years in business, we are committed to providing high-quality pest control to the Quad Cities area. Find out more by calling today to request a free inspection.