Have you ever been startled by a cricket jumping out from behind something in your home? It can be startling and annoying, especially if you’re trying to sleep! You may be wondering how to stop crickets from jumping around your house and luckily, there are several proven methods to do so.
In this article, we’ll discuss what a cricket is, why they jump, and how to stop them from jumping with natural repellents, traps, and other prevention tips.
Finally, we’ll also cover when to call an exterminator.
Read on to learn how to stop crickets from jumping!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Crickets can be difficult to stop from jumping, but there are a few things you can do to try and prevent them from doing so.
Firstly, you can try to reduce the amount of moisture in the area, as crickets tend to jump more in humid conditions.
You can also try to remove any potential food sources, such as rotting wood or damp paper, as this can attract the crickets.
Finally, you can try using a pesticide that specifically targets crickets, such as an insecticide spray.
What is a Cricket?
Crickets are a small insect that is most recognisable by its chirping sound.
They range in size from around 5mm to over 1 centimetre and have a black, brown, or grey colouring.
Their bodies are segmented and they have long antennae.
They are found all over the world, living in grassy and wooded areas, as well as near buildings and homes.
Crickets are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter.
They feed on insects, plants, and even small animals.
Some species of crickets are also known to eat human food, which can be a nuisance.
Why Do Crickets Jump?
Crickets are nocturnal insects that are known for their loud chirping sound.
This sound comes from the male crickets rubbing their wings together to attract a mate.
However, one of the most noticeable things about crickets is their ability to jump.
Crickets have legs that are adapted for jumping, that can propel them up to 20 times their body length.
This jumping behavior is used to escape predators, find food, or find a mate.
As such, crickets are often found in places where there is plenty of food and shelter, such as leaf litter, wood piles, and other moist areas.
Unfortunately, this can often lead them into our homes, where they can become an annoying nuisance.
Removing Standing Water
Removing standing water is one of the most effective ways to keep crickets from jumping in your home.
Crickets are attracted to moisture, so keeping your home dry is essential in order to keep them away.
Standing water is a common source of moisture and can be found in many places throughout the home, such as in potted plants, near leaking pipes, and in the corners of basements or attics.
To remove standing water, make sure to mop up any water spills and fix any leaking pipes or fixtures.
Additionally, if you have any potted plants, make sure to check for any standing water at the bottom of the pots and empty them out if necessary.
Taking these steps to remove standing water will help to keep crickets from jumping in your home.
Natural Repellents
Using natural repellents is an effective and eco-friendly way to keep crickets from jumping in your home.
Essential oils, dried herbs, and other plant-based products can be used to create a natural barrier that crickets wont want to cross.
For example, lavender, cloves, and cayenne pepper are all effective natural repellents.
Lavender has a strong aroma that crickets dont like, while cloves and cayenne pepper are both spicy, and crickets avoid them.
To use these natural repellents, simply sprinkle them around the perimeter of your home or in areas where youve noticed cricket activity, such as around windows or doors.
You can also create a spray mixture with essential oils or dried herbs and water, and spray it around the entryways of your home.
Reapply the natural repellents every few weeks to keep the crickets away.
Trapping a Cricket
Trapping a cricket is a great way to help stop them from jumping around your home.
The most effective way to do this is to place a paper cup over the cricket and then slide a piece of cardboard underneath it.
This will help contain the cricket in one area, making it easier to take it outside and release it.
Make sure to wear gloves when handling the cricket as they can carry certain diseases.
Once you have the cricket in the cup, you can simply take it outdoors and let it go.
This is an effective way to remove a single cricket from your home, but it wont help if there are multiple crickets present.
For that, youll need to take other steps to help keep them away.
Other Prevention Tips
In addition to the steps mentioned above, there are a few other key steps you can take to help prevent crickets from jumping in your home. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
Check for cracks and crevices in your home and seal them.
Crickets can get in through even the smallest openings, so make sure to inspect your home regularly for any potential entry points.
Trim back any vegetation and landscape around your home.
Crickets love to hide in tall grass and other vegetation, so keeping your yard trimmed and neat can help prevent them from entering your home.
Store food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
Crickets are attracted to food and will often make their way inside homes to find a meal.
Make sure to store food in airtight containers and take out the garbage often.
Keep your windows and doors closed.
Crickets can easily make their way inside through open windows and doors, so make sure to keep them shut when not in use.
Following these additional steps can help you keep crickets from jumping in your home and keep your living space free from these pesky insects.
When to Call an Exterminator
In some cases, it may be necessary to call a professional exterminator to help get rid of crickets.
This is especially true if the infestation is severe or if the crickets have spread to other parts of the home.
If you are unable to get rid of the crickets using the methods mentioned above, it is best to contact a professional.
An exterminator will be able to identify the type of cricket and use specialized treatments to get rid of them.
They may also be able to help identify possible entry points in the home and provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.
In some cases, an exterminator may recommend using chemical treatments to get rid of crickets, but this should be a last resort and used only when necessary.
Final Thoughts
Crickets may be small, but they can cause a lot of disruption in your home.
With these three proven methods, you can help prevent and control crickets from jumping around.
Remember to remove standing water, use natural repellents, and if you find a cricket, trap it in a cup and release it outside.
By following these steps, you can help ensure crickets are not a problem in your home.
So take action today and keep the crickets away!