The Homeowner’S Guide To Evaluating And Understanding Cricket Infestations In Northborough, Massachusetts
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Crickets are a common sight in the warm months of the Northeast, croaking and singing around porches and homes. While mostly harmless, the chirping of cricket mating calls can quickly become unbearable and a nuisance. In the event that they overrun a house, an infestation can spread from one area to the whole property and make it an uncomfortable place to be. Knowing the signs of a cricket infestation can help a homeowner prevent an outbreak, and act swiftly if one occurs.
Identifying the Problem ? Different Types of Crickets
The Northeast is home to several species of cricket, all of which can pose a problem for homeowners. The most common species are the House Cricket, the Field Cricket, and the Camel Cricket. All three can be identified by their long, black antennae, and range in size from small (less than an inch long) to large (up to an inch and a half).
House Crickets are found throughout Northborough and most commonly reside around foundations and between walls. They are smaller than Field Crickets and have a yellowish stripe running along their back. Due to their size, they can enter through even the tiniest of cracks. House Crickets prefer dark, damp places, and often lay eggs in the areas around houseplants or under furniture.
Field Crickets are found both inside and outside of homes and, like their name suggests, on a field. They are larger than House Crickets, with dark black bodies and green or yellowish legs. They are attracted to light and are often seen congregating around windows and porches. When a home has a large Field Cricket infestation, homeowners will often hear loud chirps coming from the porch or other outside area.
Camel Crickets are a larger species of cricket that may be mistaken for a grasshopper due to their size (up to an inch and a half) and long back legs. they are usually found in damp areas like basements and garages, and prefer to hide under furniture and other objects.
Signs of a Cricket Infestation
Once you know which species of cricket you’re dealing with, it’s important to recognize and react quickly to the signs of a cricket infestation. Some of the most common signs of a cricket infestation are:
? Droppings or ?frass? – Crickets leave behind droppings wherever they go. These droppings, known as ?frass?, may be found near baseboards and window sills or in other areas where the crickets are frequenting.
? Chirping ? Both Field Crickets and House Crickets make loud chirping sounds at night, the most common mating call of the species. If you hear this noise, chances are there are crickets nearby.
? Damage to plants – Anytime a cricket is present in a home, there is a chance they may feed on, or damage, nearby plants. Crickets will feed on the leaves and stems of plants, damaging them in the process.
? Shed exoskeleton ? All crickets will shed their exoskeleton several times during their lifespan, leaving behind a small skeleton in the area where they have been. This is another tell-tale sign that you’re dealing with a cricket infestation.
Evaluating the Problem ? How Big is Your Infestation?
Once you have identified the type of cricket and the signs of an infestation, the next step is evaluating the severity of the problem. This requires looking for the areas that the crickets are frequenting, such as behind walls, under furniture, and in other dark, damp places. Homeowners should also check for the signs of damage that crickets can cause, such as the feeding damage on plants or the droppings in the vicinity of windows and doorways. Knowing the extent of the problem is critical in determining how to address it.
Determining the Solution ? How to Get Rid of Crickets
Once the problem has been identified and evaluated, the homeowner can move forward with creating a plan of action to get rid of the crickets. There are several different methods of controlling a cricket infestation, some of which are more effective than others.
Trapping
One of the most effective ways to get rid of crickets is by trapping them. There are a variety of traps available, all of which have been proven to be effective at reducing the number of crickets in a home. Traps are an effective method because they provide an immediate, targeted solution and can be used on all types of cricket infestations.
Baiting
Another effective method of getting rid of crickets is baiting them. Baits are placed at the source of the infestation, usually near windows or doorways where crickets enter the home. The bait, which contains a repellant, attracts crickets and causes them to leave the area. This is a great solution if the cricket infestation is confined to a single area.
Repellents
Repellents are also effective at controlling cricket infestations. They work by releasing an odor that crickets are not attracted to, causing them to move away from the area. Repellents are commonly used around windows and doors, but can also be used in areas where crickets are known to gather, such as under furniture.
Getting Professional Help
If a homeowner is unable to get rid of a cricket infestation on their own, they should consider getting professional help. F&W Pest Control is a full-service pest control company offering residential, commercial, and industrial pest control services in MA.
One of their pest management professionals will assess the extent of the issue and determine whether or not you need pest control services to get rid of troublesome pests. They have offices in Wrentham, MA, Framingham, MA, Peabody, MA, and Kingston, MA, but serve all of eastern Massachusetts. If they confirm that there are issues, they will recommend the treatments that will be most effective for your property.
Conclusion
Learning to identify and understand cricket species and infestations can help homeowners address the issue quickly and effectively. If you suspect you have a cricket infestation, take the time to evaluate the problem and determine the best course of action for your situation. With the right information and a plan of action in place, you can get rid of crickets and return to enjoying your home.
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