What Attracts Crickets and How to Keep Them Out

*A house cricket, from Aiwok, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Though harmless to human health, crickets destroy fabrics, taint pantry staples, and thrive unnoticed in quiet corners of your home. Their constant chirping can also be an annoyance.

Common crickets you’ll find in New York homes include:

House Crickets: Light brown with dark bands. Gather near heat sources and lights.
Camel Crickets: Humpbacked. Prefer damp, dark areas like basements.

Below, we’ll go over cricket behavior and prevention methods. Understanding their preferences makes it easier to create an unwelcoming environment and avoid full-blown invasions.

What Attracts Crickets Indoors

Shelter from Temperature Extremes

During autumn or cooler months, crickets migrate indoors to escape the cold. Similarly, extreme heat in summer may drive them into cooler, shaded areas of homes ( e.g., basements, garages, crawl spaces). This is because crickets, like house crickets, seek 80–90°F temperatures.

Moisture and Humidity

The optimum incubation of house cricket eggs is at 65–75% RH; Leaky pipes, standing water, humid basements, and bathrooms create ideal habitats. Cave crickets are known to inhabit moist, cool areas like basements, caves, and under logs greenhouses.

Light Sources

UV-emitting bulbs attract more crickets. Bright outdoor lights near doors, windows, or porches can draw them close, after which they may slip indoors through small gaps. Sodium vapor bulbs reduce insect activity.

Food Availability

Crickets are scavengers and will exploit any accessible food sources indoors. They consume unsealed grains, pet food, and crumbs. Some species, like the field cricket, eat natural fibers (e.g., cotton, wool, or silk), damaging clothing, carpets, or upholstery.

Clutter and Hiding Spots

Cardboard boxes provide shelter and cellulose food. Indoors, piles of boxes, laundry, or dense vegetation near the home’s exterior (tall grass, mulch, or woodpiles) create ideal harborage.

How to Keep Crickets Out

1. Eliminate Food Sources

Crickets feed on gardens, food-stained fabrics, pet food, and cardboard.

Store food in airtight containers.
Clean spills and crumbs immediately.
Seal fabrics and paper goods in plastic bins.
Remove pet food bowls overnight.
Discard overripe produce and take out trash regularly.

2. Reduce Moisture

Fix leaks and lower humidity to make your home less inviting.

Repair plumbing leaks quickly.
Use dehumidifiers in dark and damp areas like basements.
Improve airflow with exhaust fans.
Install gravel barriers for better drainage.
Water plants sparingly.

3. Adjust Outdoor Lighting

Bright white lights attract crickets after dark.

Replace white bulbs with yellow or amber LEDs (<550 nm wavelength).
Use motion-sensor lights to reduce constant brightness.
Position lights away from entry points.
Close curtains at night to block indoor light.

4. Block Entry Points

Seal gaps and declutter to limit hiding spots.

Caulk cracks in walls, windows, and foundations.
Install door sweeps and repair torn screens.
Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house.
Keep lawns mowed and shrubs trimmed.

5. Prepare for Seasonal Shifts

Crickets migrate indoors during late summer (for warmth) and winter (to escape cold).

Inspect and seal entry points before peak seasons.
Apply barrier sprays around your home’s perimeter.
Create a gravel buffer zone to deter nesting.
Plant mint, basil, or lavender near entryways—their scent repels crickets.

How to Get Rid of Crickets

*A female house cricket, from gianni del bufalo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Begin by physically removing crickets with a vacuum. Focus on baseboards, dark corners, and areas where they tend to hide. Once done, empty the vacuum contents into a sealed bag. Dispose of it outdoors immediately to prevent survivors from returning.

For persistent issues, pair this method with traps. Place commercial sticky traps along walls, under furniture, or in shadowy spots where crickets gather. If you prefer a DIY solution, here are two options:

Place a shallow dish of soapy water near light sources or active zones. Crickets drawn to light will drown in the mixture.
Create a molasses trap by combining one part molasses with ten parts water in a jar. Place this jar in problem areas.

Use diatomaceous earth (DE) to bolster your defense. Sprinkle a light layer along entryways, baseboards, and cricket hotspots. For severe infestations, insecticides can be used as a last resort. Apply carefully to cracks, windowsills, and corners where crickets hide.

Always prioritize safety. Store chemicals out of reach of children and pets, and always follow label instructions.

When to Call a Professional

DIY methods can resolve minor cricket issues, but persistent problems often point to hidden risks in your home. Pest experts apply targeted treatments (eco-friendly sprays, bait stations, etc) designed for safety and effectiveness. In severe cases, they may use low-toxicity fumigation to reach nests hidden deep in walls or crawl spaces.

Consider professional pest control if:

Infestations recur or spread rapidly, signaling a larger, hidden population.
Nests are inaccessible (e.g., deep in walls, crawl spaces, or insulation) and require specialized tools or low-toxicity fumigation.
Health concerns (e.g., cricket droppings triggering allergies, or species like house crickets contaminating fabrics).

Stay Pest-Free Year-Round

Regular maintenance and timely action protect your home. Get rid of what attracts crickets: seal cracks, control moisture, and manage food sources. For severe infestations, trust MMPC’s science-backed approach to restore peace.

For personalized solutions, contact MMPC. Let us help you maintain a safe, comfortable home.