Marietta, Georgia, is just a short hop-skip-and-a-jump away from Atlanta. Still, this quaint town can feel like a million miles away, nestled in the foothills of Kennesaw Mountain and surrounded by multiple historic districts. One nuisance pest residing in this unique town that often visits local homes unexpectedly is the long-legged cave cricket. Removing these oversized insects could prove challenging unless homeowners can obtain professional cricket pest control services in Marietta.
Physical Characteristics Of Cave Crickets: How To Spot Them
Cave crickets get their name from the habitat they typically enjoy living in—dark, damp caves. When cave crickets exit their natural habitat and start hanging out in local yards, they can sometimes accidentally get into homes. When they find themselves trapped indoors, they naturally head to areas replicating cave conditions, places like crawl spaces, basements, garages, and utility rooms; sometimes, they even settle into attics. Since cave crickets can be quite a nuisance in homes, quick identification can prove helpful.
Five physical characteristics that help identify cave crickets include:
- They grow between 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long.
- They range in color from light to dark brown, with lighter/darker splotches and dark bands on some of their body segments.
- They have a long set of thin antennae.
- They have six legs; their hind ones are huge.
- They have a distinctive humpback.
Since cave crickets have no sound-producing organs (no chirping) and are nocturnal (active at night), homeowners won't know they've accessed their home until they physically see them. A cave cricket's size and leaping ability can cause people distress, but more importantly, these leaping insects can cause property damage.
Property Damage: The Impact Of Cave Crickets In A Home
Cave crickets can travel long distances to obtain food sources; they will gravitate to areas outside homes that offer dark, cool, and damp conditions. Woodpiles, rotten logs, hollow trees, stumps, wet leaves, railroad ties, wells, boards, and stones can all lure cave crickets close to homes.
A healthy population of cave crickets living near homes can lead to "accidental" visits. While these visits might seem more of a nuisance, crickets that live indoors will nibble on any number of home items. They seem especially attracted to fabrics, clothing, paper products, and carpets. If cave crickets are left untreated, they can ruin things in our homes.
If you've discovered a significant cave cricket presence in your home, it is essential to call in the pest professionals at ProCare Pest Services for immediate removal. Our experienced technicians can get rid of cave crickets from homes before they start damaging them.
When To Call A Professional: Handling Severe Cave Cricket Problems
A severe cave cricket infestation in Marietta is no joke! When large numbers enter Marietta homes, property damages can pile up, so it's crucial to have a reliable pest control company like ProCare Pest Services nearby. Our locally owned and operated company was established in 2014 to ensure residents of Marietta received community-friendly pest control services that would go the extra mile.
Our close ties to the community and commitment to 100% satisfaction make ProCare Pest Services the best company to handle your pest control and cave cricket needs. Contact us today for a free service quote for customized pest and cave cricket control solutions.
How To Keep Cave Crickets Out: Proven Prevention Techniques
Like most pests in Marietta, the key to keeping home-invading pests outdoors where they belong lies in removing conditions that lure them close to homes. Homeowners who incorporate some proven prevention techniques can do much to ensure cave crickets stay out of their homes.
Six steps to preventing cave crickets from entering Marietta's homes include the following tips:
- Eliminate tall grass near dwellings.
- Remove yard debris (tree stumps, woodpiles, damp leaf piles, rocks, rotten logs)
- Use a dehumidifier in high-moisture areas of homes.
- Keep crawlspaces, attics, and basements well-ventilated.
- Use caulking material or weatherstripping to seal any cracks and crevices around homes.
- Make sure garbage cans are stored well away from homes.
Suppose prevention measures fail to stop cave crickets from entering your home. In that case, it's good to know ProCare Pest Services is nearby and has cave cricket removal solutions that keep them from enjoying a lengthy stay within homes. Contact us today to learn more!