The sound of chirping crickets may be pleasant outdoors, but they can be a problem once these pests enter your Glen Ellyn home. Crickets are drawn to warmth and moisture, which makes fall a prime time for them to invade homes. Fortunately, homeowners can take preventive measures to keep crickets outside. Also, they can always contact Pointe Pest Control if they need help in eliminating these pests. The company will immediately deploy technicians who will inspect the home first to determine where crickets are. Then, they will apply the right treatment to address the issue. Below are steps to keep crickets out this fall:
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Crickets can squeeze through tiny openings in your home’s exterior. They can enter through gaps around windows, doors, or the foundation. Inspect the outside of your home carefully and look for cracks, damaged screens, or spaces around utility lines. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or mesh to close these gaps. Adding door sweeps to exterior doors also helps block entry.
Reduce Outdoor Attractants
Crickets in Glen Ellyn are drawn to areas with tall grass, weeds, and clutter. They can hide in yards with piles of leaves, firewood stacked against the house, or overgrown landscaping. They can quickly slip inside once they settle close to your home. Keep your lawn trimmed and rake leaves regularly. Also, move firewood or yard debris away from the walls.
Limit Indoor Moisture
Crickets love the damp environments in basements, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms. So, fix leaky pipes and faucets. Also, improve ventilation and consider using a dehumidifier in areas prone to excess moisture. Wiping up spills quickly or keeping drains clear helps reduce dampness.
Manage Indoor Lighting
Crickets are highly attracted to light. This is the reason why they often gather near windows, doors, and outdoor fixtures. Bright lighting around entryways makes your home a target. To reduce attraction, use yellow or sodium vapor bulbs for outdoor lights. Close curtains at night and turn off unnecessary lights to cut down on the glow that draws them in.
Keep Clutter Under Control
Glen Ellyn Crickets hide in piles of clutter. They can get the cover they need from stacks of cardboard, newspapers, or laundry inside your home. Also, disorganized boxes in storage areas such as basements, attics, or garages create nesting opportunities. Declutter these spaces by storing items in sealed plastic containers and keeping floors clear.
Store Food Properly
Crickets prefer organic materials like fabric and paper. However, they won’t turn down access to crumbs, pet food, or pantry goods. Open food containers or bowls left out overnight can encourage them to stay inside. Store food in sealed containers and clean up spills promptly.
Maintain Window and Door Screens
Torn or ill-fitting screens in Glen Ellyn give crickets a direct path indoors. Small rips are enough for them to squeeze through. Inspect window and door screens during the fall. Repair or replace any that show damage. Make sure frames fit snugly to prevent gaps. Well-maintained screens provide an added layer of protection, especially when you open windows for fresh air.
Monitor Crawl Spaces and Foundations
Broken or uncovered vents in Glen Ellyn allow pests to slip into the lower level of your home. Inspect these areas before the weather turns cold. Replace damaged vent covers with mesh that allows airflow but blocks pests.
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming helps eliminate crumbs, shed skins, and cricket eggs that might be hiding in carpets or along baseboards. Focus on corners, under furniture, and areas near entry points where pests may linger. Vacuuming keeps your home cleaner and disrupts the conditions crickets rely on to settle indoors.
