Crickets are present all over the world, so it is not unusual to find some at home. The problem with these insects is that they generally make noise at night while you are trying to sleep; in addition, they can cause damage to property, such as carpet, clothing and books. If a cricket has entered your home, you have several methods to kill it; alternatively, you can try to catch it with a trap. Once the problem is resolved, you can take steps to make the home more inhospitable for the crickets, so that you don't have to deal with this situation in the future.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Attracting the Cricket
Step 1. Set traps
Buy some stickers (the ones generally used for mice) and distribute them around the house where you think the crickets might be; when the insects jump on the trap, they stay attached.
Place some cornmeal in the center of each trap to attract them
Step 2. Use a can of beer to catch them
Take one and empty it of its contents, leaving only a few drops inside. Then place it in the area frequented by crickets; they will be attracted by the smell of the drink and will jump into the can to drink the beer, but remain trapped inside.
If you like to fish, you can keep the ones you caught and use them as bait; alternatively, you can cut the can to open the top and release the bugs into nature if you wish
Step 3. Set up a molasses trap
This method allows you to catch crickets without the need to purchase sticky traps in stores. Take a clean glass jar and pour a generous spoonful of molasses inside; add a little water to make the mixture a little more liquid. Then put the open jar in an area where you have seen or heard the insects; they will be attracted by the sweet scent and jump into the container to reach the syrup.
- The stickiness of the molasses will prevent the crickets from escaping.
- Make sure you clean the container regularly.
Part 2 of 3: Getting rid of the cricket
Step 1. Squeeze it
This is the most direct method of killing him. If you notice an insect that has sneaked into your home and you don't want to catch it, take any object, like a shoe or a broom, and crush it.
As much as possible, try not to be cruel during this operation. Hit hard a couple of times, to be sure the cricket is dead
Step 2. Try a spray insecticide
There are several on the market and are immediately available. If you have an insect problem in your home, it is worth buying one of these products to kill the cricket (or any other pest).
Be careful when using insecticide. After killing the cricket, dispose of the corpse using a large strip of toilet paper. Throw it in the toilet or in the trash. Clean the surface you sprayed the chemical on with a hand sanitizer and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
Step 3. Catch the cricket with the vacuum cleaner
If you only have to get rid of one specimen, all you have to do is suck it up with the vacuum cleaner hose. If you are afraid of having a real infestation, carefully clean the house with the appliance and use the pointed accessory so as not to neglect the areas under the baseboard, along the entire perimeter of the house. In this way, hopefully you can suck up any hidden insect or its eggs.
If you have a bagless appliance, remember to empty the contents of the waste bin into a garbage can outside the home; if, on the other hand, the vacuum cleaner is equipped with a bag, replace it immediately after cleaning and throw the used one in the garbage outside
Step 4. Spray the insect with pepper spray
Although this product is illegal, some people manage to buy it online for self-defense and it can also be effective for killing crickets quickly; pepper sprays are lethal to these insects.
Be careful if you decide to use this method. If the substance in the bottle comes into contact with your face, you will pay the painful consequences; wash your hands thoroughly after using the spray
Step 5. Place a jar on top of the shackle
If there is only one insect in the house, you can catch it with a jar. When you spot the unwanted guest, quickly put a jar on top of it so that it gets trapped in it. Take a thin but sturdy sheet of cardstock (like a postcard) and slide it under the opening of the container. Now that the cardboard seals the jar, you can take it outside.
Take the insect away from home; if you release it at the door, the cricket will probably find a way back inside
Part 3 of 3: Keep the crickets away from the house
Step 1. Get a cat or dog
These pets are perfect for keeping out insects that might sneak into your home. They are much better than humans at tracking down these unwanted guests, so let them do the "dirty work".
Remember that taking care of a pet is a big commitment; you shouldn't get a dog or a cat for the sole purpose of killing crickets
Step 2. Make your home less hospitable for these insects
If there are several wetlands, find them and try to remedy them if possible. Crickets love humidity, so it's important to address every factor that increases it.
- Crickets are also attracted to bright lights, which is why you should replace your outdoor light bulbs - for example those on the porch - with yellow or sodium vapor ones that are less inviting.
- Look for any access points for crickets. For example, there may be a window that does not close properly. Inspect the door frame to make sure there are no gaps for insects to crawl through.
Step 3. Engage a pest control company
If you live in an area where insects are a widespread problem, you should probably rely on professionals to treat your home with insecticides a few times a year. If you are facing a cricket infestation, this may be the simplest solution.
- Check that the pest control company is enabled and has all the necessary authorizations.
- If you have pets, inform the company and ask if the products used are safe for humans, adults, children and animals.
