Crickets are bothersome household pests due to their persistent, loud chirping and the damage they inflict on paper, fabrics, and clothing. When these insects migrate indoors, often seeking shelter from changing weather, homeowners need safe, non-toxic methods to regain control. The goal is to eliminate current infestations and prevent future ones using natural solutions that pose minimal risk to people and pets. Effective methods include physical removal, specialized trapping, natural powders, and modifying the environment to make it less appealing.
Mechanical Removal and Trapping
Immediate physical removal offers a direct, chemical-free way to reduce the cricket population inside a home. A powerful vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment can quickly capture crickets hiding in baseboards, under furniture, and in carpeted areas. This technique is useful for addressing large groups of insects gathered in specific areas like a basement or garage.
Sticky traps, also known as glue boards, are an effective mechanical method often used for catching crawling insects. Place these traps flat along walls, in dark corners, or near known entry points. Crickets become stuck on the adhesive surface, allowing for easy disposal.
Simple molasses traps capitalize on the cricket’s strong attraction to sweet, fermenting smells. Mix a few tablespoons of molasses and water in a shallow bowl or jar. Crickets are drawn to the scent, jump into the container, and drown. This trap works best when placed in areas of high cricket activity, such as behind appliances or in dark crawl spaces.
Natural Desiccants and Surface Treatments
A popular and effective natural solution is diatomaceous earth (DE), a fine, white powder made from the fossilized remains of ancient algae called diatoms. The particles of food-grade DE are microscopically sharp, resembling shards of glass. This abrasive structure kills insects, including crickets, through physical means rather than chemical toxicity.
When a cricket crawls across a thin layer of the powder, the sharp particles cling to its exoskeleton and scratch through the protective waxy outer layer. This causes the cricket to lose body moisture at an accelerated rate, leading to severe dehydration and death through desiccation. Because this method is mechanical, crickets cannot develop resistance, making it a reliable control option.
For safe application, only food-grade diatomaceous earth should be used, applied as a light, dry dust to remain effective. Dust a thin layer in cracks, crevices, along baseboards, and around window and door frames. When applying, wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fine silica dust, although it is non-toxic to mammals.
Eliminating Attractive Habitats
Long-term cricket control relies on making the environment inhospitable, deterring new infestations and encouraging existing pests to leave. Crickets are strongly drawn to moisture and dark, damp environments, such as basements, crawl spaces, and utility rooms. Reducing humidity in these areas with a dehumidifier or proper ventilation significantly decreases their appeal.
Clearing the exterior perimeter of the home removes potential hiding and feeding spots near the foundation. This involves trimming tall weeds, keeping the lawn mowed, and moving debris like woodpiles, leaf litter, and stones away from the house structure. Removing this clutter limits the crickets’ access to the home’s exterior walls where they seek shelter.
The final preventative measure focuses on exclusion, physically blocking the pathways crickets use to enter. Inspect the foundation, windows, and doors for gaps and cracks, and seal these openings using caulk or weather-stripping. Ensuring door sweeps are tightly fitted and screens are intact prevents these insects from migrating inside.