800-837-5520 Call us for a free quote Contact us

How to get rid of crickets

Crickets can be a pain: that familiar chirping might start as background noise, but when they get inside, it quickly becomes a real nuisance. 

At Ehrlich, we know how disruptive a cricket infestation can be, and we're here to help. Our trained technicians can identify the type of cricket you're dealing with and provide targeted treatments to help get the problem under control. Get in touch today to schedule a free inspection.

The damage crickets can cause

Crickets may look harmless, but they can cause real problems. They chew on fabric, paper, and furniture, leaving behind small holes and ragged edges. Their droppings can stain floors and carpets, and a large infestation can ruin upholstery and stored items. On top of the physical damage, their nonstop chirping, especially at night, can seriously disrupt your sleep.

Where do crickets hide?

Crickets tend to stay at floor level and are typically nocturnal, so they can be tricky to spot. Common hiding spots include:

  • Under fireplace inserts
  • Under couches
  • Garages
  • Holes in the wall
  • Along the base of your foundation.

Common types of crickets

There are many cricket species, but four are most commonly found in homes and businesses across the United States. Learn more about the most common cricket species here:

The camel cricket is one type of cricket you may encounter. Camel crickets, also known as cave crickets, are usually located in a damp place.

House crickets are attracted to warmth, moisture, and food. You may find them in basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Field crickets mostly live outside but sometimes come indoors when the weather gets cold. They are drawn to bright lights.

Mole crickets live underground and damage lawns by digging tunnels and feeding on plant roots.

Why do I have crickets in my house?

Crickets want to infest homes for four main reasons: warmth, food, moisture, and shelter. Since they are cold-blooded, they look for warm places when temperatures drop, often hiding in basements, garages, and heated rooms. They will eat almost anything, including fabric, paper, pet food, and even other insects, so crumbs and uncovered pet food can attract them. 

Crickets also need moisture to survive, so they are drawn to damp places like basements, leaky pipes, and humid areas. They prefer dark, hidden spaces to hide and lay eggs, such as cluttered rooms, wood piles, and cracks in walls or foundations.

Here’s a checklist of prevention steps to consider taking:

  • Trim high vegetation so crickets cannot use it as harborage.
  • Cut your lawn short.
  • Reduce the amount of standing water that’s on the ground around your home. 
  • Reduce clutter in your yard, such as lawn furniture, children’s toys, and piles of leaves.
  • Seal foundation cracks along with gaps under doors (and your garage door), so crickets cannot enter.
  • Ensure doors have weatherstripping.
  • Try to lessen the amount of lighting you use outside. During the night, it can draw in adult crickets.
A common house cricket

Where do crickets hide in my house?

Crickets like to hide in places that are dark, damp, and warm. They are small and can squeeze through tiny cracks, making it hard to find and remove them. Some common hiding spots include:

  • Basements and crawl spaces – these moist areas are often damp and dark, making them perfect for crickets.
  • Garages – crickets can sneak in through small gaps under doors and hide in cluttered corners.
  • Behind and under furniture – they like to stay low to the ground and hide in dark spaces, such as under couches and beds.
  • Near fireplaces – the warmth from a fireplace attracts crickets, especially in colder months.
  • Inside walls and cracks – crickets can crawl through tiny openings and hide inside walls, making them harder to reach.

How to get rid of crickets in the house

While DIY methods won’t work for a large cricket infestation, you can try a few simple steps if you spot just one or two crickets in your home. Start by sealing any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and walls to prevent their entry. Since crickets thrive in damp environments, reduce moisture by fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and using a dehumidifier. 

Keeping your home clean is also essential—regularly sweep up crumbs and remove clutter that could provide hiding spots. You might also consider sprinkling diatomaceous earth around entry points as a natural deterrent.

For long-lasting control, calling in a professional is the most effective course of action.

Struggling with crickets?

Call now to book your free inspection.

Get rid of crickets with Ehrlich

Our cricket control experts can apply targeted exterior treatments to help keep crickets out before they find their way inside, giving you one less thing to worry about. Get in touch with our control team today. 

FAQs

The only sure way to get rid of crickets is with professional pest control. DIY methods like removing food sources, reducing moisture, and sealing cracks may help but won’t fully eliminate an infestation. 

Crickets hide in hard-to-reach areas, making expert treatment necessary to remove them and prevent them from coming back.

Crickets enter homes searching for warmth, moisture, and food. They often come inside through cracks in doors, windows, and foundations. Basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms are common hiding spots. 

If your home provides shelter and easy access, crickets are more likely to infest your space.

No scent will make crickets go away completely — only professional exterminators can eliminate them. 

However, strong smells like peppermint, lemon, vinegar, cedar, and garlic may help repel crickets and prevent them from entering your home. While these scents may deter a few crickets, they won’t stop a full-blown infestation.

You can use insecticide sprays labeled for crickets around entry points, baseboards, and outdoor areas. Natural options like a vinegar-water solution or essential oil sprays may help as well. When using an insecticide, be sure to always follow the instructions on the label.

However, professional pest control treatments are the most effective way to eliminate crickets.

Crickets are attracted to warmth and food. You can lure them out by placing a small dish of sugar or bread crumbs near where you hear chirping. A damp cloth on the floor may also attract them. Once out, you can capture and remove them or use pest control methods.

If you want to reduce the likelihood of crickets infesting your basement, put away clutter, seal any potential entry points, and make sure there are no food sources to attract them. It’s also a good idea to try placing a dehumidifier in the basement. 

Find your local branch

Start living pest-free today with PestFree365+. Ehrlich Pest Control protects your home from 39 different pests for the ultimate peace of mind.