If you have ever been startled by an unexpected bug scurrying across the floor, you may have encountered a spider cricket.
These creepy crawlers can be found in dark, damp places, and getting rid of them can be a challenge.
In this article, we will provide 7 tips for getting rid of spider crickets in your home.
We will discuss what spider crickets are, how to inspect your home, natural solutions, long-term solutions, and how to prevent them from coming back.
So, if you are looking to get rid of these pesky critters, read on!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Spider crickets can be eliminated by ensuring the area is well lit and free of moisture.
Vacuuming up any visible spider crickets is also effective.
Additionally, using an insecticide labeled for spider crickets can be helpful in eliminating them.
If the infestation is severe, it may be necessary to contact a professional pest control service.
What are Spider Crickets?
Spider crickets, otherwise known as camel crickets, are a common household pest.
They are attracted to dark, damp areas and can cause damage to fabrics, carpets, and other materials.
They have an oval-shaped body that is usually about an inch long and a light brown to dark brown color.
They have long antennae and six legs, three of which are longer than the others.
They are usually found in damp basements, crawl spaces, or other dark, damp areas of the home.
While they don’t bite or carry diseases, they can be a nuisance and are capable of damaging materials in the home.
Inspecting Your Home
Inspecting your home is one of the most important steps you can take to get rid of spider crickets.
Spider crickets are attracted to dark, damp spaces, so its important to check for any cracks, crevices, or other entry points where they may be getting in.
Pay special attention to basements, crawlspaces, around windows, and any other areas where moisture may be present.
Its also a good idea to check for any gaps or holes in the foundation of your home, as this can be a prime entry point for spider crickets.
If you spot any entry points, be sure to seal them up with caulk or another appropriate material.
Additionally, check for any sources of food or water that may be attracting the crickets, such as pet food containers, spilled drinks, or other debris.
Once youve inspected your home and identified any possible entry points, you can move on to the next step of getting rid of spider crickets.
Vacuum Up Any Existing Spider Crickets
When it comes to getting rid of spider crickets, one of the first steps to take is to vacuum up any existing spider crickets.
Vacuuming is a quick and easy way to remove spider crickets from your home without the need for any chemicals or other solutions.
To do this, use a vacuum with a hose attachment to reach into nooks and crevices where spider crickets may be hiding.
Be sure to vacuum around baseboards, under furniture, in closets, and any other dark and damp spaces.
Make sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately after each use to ensure all of the spider crickets are removed from your home.
Additionally, you may want to use a disinfectant or deodorizer in the vacuum to help eliminate any odors caused by the spider crickets.
With a simple vacuum, you can quickly and easily remove any existing spider crickets from your home.
Natural Solutions to Get Rid of Spider Crickets
Natural solutions are a great way to get rid of spider crickets without relying on harsh chemicals.
Start by inspecting any cracks, crevices, or other entry points in your home where spider crickets might be entering.
Once any potential entry points have been identified and sealed, you can begin to use natural solutions to get rid of the spider crickets.
One of the most popular natural solutions is boric acid.
This is a naturally occurring substance that is often used as an insecticide and is safe to use in the home.
Simply sprinkle the boric acid around the areas where the spider crickets are present and it will work to dehydrate the crickets, killing them.
Another natural solution is diatomaceous earth.
This is a powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae.
It is safe to use in the home and is effective against spider crickets as it works to scratch and dry out the waxy coating of their exoskeletons, killing them.
Essential oils are also a great way to get rid of spider crickets.
Many essential oils, such as peppermint or citrus, have strong aromas that spider crickets find unpleasant.
Simply mix several drops of your chosen essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around your home.
The scent of the oil will repel the spider crickets and keep them from entering your home.
By using these natural solutions, you can easily and safely get rid of spider crickets in your home.
A Long-Term Solution
When it comes to dealing with an unwelcome pest such as spider crickets, a long-term solution is essential in keeping them out of your home for good.
The most effective way to get rid of spider crickets is to keep damp areas such as basements well-ventilated and dry.
This will discourage them from setting up shop in your home.
Additionally, regularly clean up clutter and remove any cardboard boxes or other materials that may attract spiders.
This will not only make your home less attractive to spider crickets, but it will also help to keep your home clean and free of any other potential pests as well.
Finally, keep an eye out for any cracks, crevices, or other entry points where spider crickets might be getting in.
Sealing off these access points will help to keep them out.
With a few simple steps, you can put a stop to spider crickets invading your home.
Keep Basements and Other Damp Areas Well-Ventilated
One of the most important steps you can take to get rid of spider crickets is to keep your basements and other damp areas well-ventilated and dry.
Spider crickets are drawn to dark, damp spaces, so it’s important to keep these areas dry and free of moisture.
To reduce the amount of moisture in these areas, make sure you have good ventilation and ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed.
Additionally, you may want to install a dehumidifier if you have a particularly damp basement.
This will help to keep the humidity levels low, which will make it less attractive to spider crickets.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to regularly clean up clutter in these areas, as clutter can attract spiders and make it easier for them to hide.
Finally, remove any cardboard boxes or other materials that may attract spiders, as these can provide perfect hiding spots for them.
Regularly Clean Up Clutter
Clutter is one of the most common attractants for spider crickets.
As they search for food, they can easily find their way into piles of paper, cardboard boxes, and other items that have been neglected.
To keep spider crickets away, it is important to regularly clean up clutter and remove any items that may attract them.
This means not only removing any existing clutter, but also avoiding the accumulation of clutter in the future.
Make sure to vacuum or sweep up any food crumbs or other materials that spiders may find attractive.
Additionally, cardboard boxes should be flattened and disposed of properly, as spider crickets may use these as hiding places.
Finally, keep basements and other damp areas clean and free of clutter, as this will make it much less likely that spiders will be attracted to your home.
Final Thoughts
Spider crickets are a nuisance, but you don’t have to live with them! By following the steps outlined above, you can get rid of them quickly and easily.
Start by inspecting your home for any cracks or entry points, and then vacuum up any existing spider crickets.
After that, try using natural solutions such as boric acid, diatomaceous earth, or essential oils.
Finally, keep basements and other damp areas well-ventilated and clean up any clutter that might attract spiders.
Taking these steps is the best way to ensure your home is free of spider crickets.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on getting rid of those pesky spider crickets today!