House Crickets in Salina
It’s believed that house crickets were introduced into the United States in the 18th century. They’re now found all over the country, including here in Salina. House crickets are nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding readily on a variety of foods. They are particularly attracted to fermented beverages such as beer or sweetened vinegar.
House Cricket Habitat
During warm weather, the house cricket lives outdoors in piles of debris, rocks, firewood, and lumber. House crickets are drawn to warm moist environments, and as temperatures cool down in the fall, they seek food and shelter within homes and structures. They may also be seen in compost bins and garbage dumps during the winter, as well as in sheds and other shelters. House crickets are nocturnal. Homeowners are often alerted to their presence by the familiar chirping made by males. This chirping is part of their mating ritual as males rub their front legs together to create the sound to attract females.
House Cricket Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
House crickets do not bite or spread disease. However, they can become a nuisance inside homes as they can damage clothing, carpets, and areas covered in fabric. Crickets are attracted to warmth, so they are often present near the fireplace, kitchen, furnace, water heater, and basement. House crickets conceal themselves in cracks, behind baseboards, and may even burrow into the mortar of walls. The house cricket is especially destructive to silk and woolens.
If you have a house cricket infestation in your Salina property, contact your local pest control experts.
