Chirping crickets can enter your Texas home this fall. How to keep them out

In the dead of night -- or day -- you hear an ear-piercing sound coming from inside the walls of your home that literally bugs you.

Well, that’s because it is a bug.

Crickets are notorious for producing that annoying sound and love to come inside Texas homes to escape the chill weather of fall.

Here’s how to get rid of those pesky and nosy creatures to keep the peace in your home.

How do crickets get inside your home in the first place?

As the days get colder, crickets attempt to find the warmest places to live. They look for entry in unsealed windows, doors, and even exterior walls.

“Light is the biggest attraction. Crickets will swarm where there are bright lights such as car lots, parks, homes and commercial buildings, according to Plano-based Buckaroo Pest Protection. “They love to venture indoors at nighttime when the temperatures drop in the fall. In your home, crickets favor warm, moist environments like the kitchen.”

Once inside, crickets will also be attracted to fruit, vegetables and even pet food.

How do you remove crickets from your home?

The best way to get rid of crickets is to seal any open entry points to keep them out. Crickets can fly and easily travel through windows, vents, and gaps along your foundation. It is recommended to use caulk to seal these gaps and repair and screens with holes.

“Inside, keep your home clean, especially where you see crickets collecting. Store food in pest-safe containers, including pet food, once your pets are done eating. Turn off the lights when you don’t need them,” Buckaroo Pest Protection advises. “If necessary – spray with the proper chemicals to eliminate the infestation.”

When to know you have a cricket problem?

Here are signs that tell you might have an issue with the insects, according to Reliant Pest Management:

• Constant chirping: Male crickets chirp incessantly to attract female crickets, and an uptick in this activity can signal an infestation.
• Sightings: Frequent spotting of crickets with antennae in places where they shouldn’t be.
• Feces: Small black droppings resembling black pepper are telltale signs of cricket presence.

• Increased activity: More crickets mean more movement, interaction, and increased chances of laying cricket eggs.
• Cricket eggs: Finding cricket eggs, which are small, whitish, and laid in moist soil, is a sure sign of infestation.

How to keep crickets away for good?

There are several proactive steps homeowners can take to prevent infestations:

Homeowners can use sticky traps in places where crickets can be heard chirping. It is also recommended to vacuum your home to grab eggs and droppings that might be left behind.

Other tips include:

• Reduce moisture: Use a dehumidifier to manage moisture.
• Keep lawns mowed: Crickets like to live and breed in overgrown grass, plants, and clutter.
• Reduce outdoor lighting: Try to minimize outdoor lighting at night.
• Use cricket-repellent plants: Consider adding cricket-repellent plants to your yard.