How Bad Is It To Have Cave Crickets In My West Chester Home?

What Are Cave Crickets?

Cave crickets are known by so many different names – camels, spiders, so what does a cave cricket look like? Cave crickets do have a humped back that resembles a camel, and while they only have six legs rather than eight, their leggy appearance does resemble a spider. However, cave crickets are light to dark brown, wingless insects growing up to an inch and a half in length. Like grasshoppers and other crickets, they have strong hind legs and long antennae to help them find their way in dark environments. 

While most crickets are known for their characteristic cricket chirp, cave crickets do not have the same sound-producing organ and do not make a chirping noise to attract their mates. While this may be a disappointment to some, anyone who has faced an indoor cricket infestation can appreciate the cave cricket's silent demeanor. 

Are Cave Crickets Dangerous?

Without sound, cave cricket infestations do not come with the same level of annoyance as other cricket species. Not only are they less annoying than more outspoken crickets, but cave crickets also don't bite or sting as many pests do. They are not poisonous. They are not known to carry or spread any diseases. Aside from potentially contaminating any food they get into, cave crickets really don't pose much in the way of health risks and are not considered dangerous in general.

However, like many other nuisance pests, a lack of health risks does not always lead to wanting to put out the welcome mat for these pests for a number of reasons. 

Cave crickets can often damage clothing and other fabrics like curtains and upholstery. They become a nuisance when they gather in large numbers in your home. When left to their own devices, cave crickets can stain walls, curtains, and furniture. They also contaminate food and attract other pests, such as spiders that hunt these small, silent insects. 

Why Do I Have Cave Crickets In My House?

So why are cave crickets inside your house? Like many pests, cave crickets are seeking moisture-rich areas with plenty of food and protection from the elements. You can reduce the factors attracting crickets to your home with the following steps:

• Eliminate excess moisture by fixing leaks, maintaining drainage, addressing condensation, and using dehumidifiers in poorly ventilated areas.
• Seal entry points by using caulking or foam on any holes or cracks in your exterior walls and foundation, installing weather stripping and door sweeps to eliminate gaps around windows and doors, and keeping screens in good condition.
• Reduce areas where crickets might be hiding near your home, such as garbage cans, woodpiles, debris, leaf litter, and tall grass. 
• Maintain landscaping and keep shrubs and bushes trimmed away from exterior walls. 

By eliminating factors that attract cave crickets, you can reduce the chances of an infestation in your home. However, these tips are no guarantee that cave crickets will stay away. 

What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Cave Crickets?

To truly get rid of crickets and keep them from coming back, it's best to enlist the expert services of Masters Touch Pest Solutions. We have over 25 years of local pest control experience and can develop an effective and dependable plan for cave crickets and any other pest you might be facing in your West Chester home. It's not enough to simply uninvite crickets and other nuisance animals, it's important to put plans in place to address existing infestations and keep them from returning in the future. 

If you live in or around West Chester and are noticing an increase in cave crickets, the experts at Masters Touch Pest Solutions are here to help. Our residential service plans include pest control and prevention plans for cave crickets and other occasional invaders. Call or reach out to us online today to learn more about our customizable service options and be sure to request your free quote.