You can keep crickets at bay naturally.
Although crickets do not carry diseases and tend not to reproduce once they've entered your home, their chirping is a nuisance and their presence is not desirable. Whether they cause major problems or not, few people want bugs in their homes. When it comes to plants, some cricket varieties feed on stems, foliage, fruit or flowers, damaging or sometimes killing them. Fortunately, there are natural means to keep crickets out of your home and garden. Does this Spark an idea?
Chili Pepper Spray
Some gardeners and home owners have found that hot peppers repel crickets. To make a liquid you can spray on plants, around your garden and outside in front of doors and windows, place 1/2 cup of fresh hot peppers and 2 cups of water in a blender or food processor, and process until liquefied. You may substitute 2 tbsp. of hot pepper sauce, in place fresh hot peppers.
Garlic Barrier
If you'd rather not spend your time mixing cricket-repellent concoctions, let Garlic Barrier do the work for you. Made by Garlic Research Labs, Inc., of Glendale, California, Garlic Barrier is a liquid insect repellent that you spray directly on your plants. According to the manufacturer, the substance is all natural, certified for use on organic farms and effectively repels crickets. According to the company website, it is not poisonous and is safe to use around children and pets.
Encourage Predators
Natural predators help keep cricket populations down and encourage them to find a home other than yours. Although taking on a pet is a big responsibility, it might be worth it if your cricket problem is severe. Cats are excellent cricket deterrents, and there are plenty of shelter cats who would repay your kindness by helping you keep your home cricket-free. Lizards, birds and nonvenomous spiders hunt crickets as well, so encourage their populations by planting trees and bushes, setting out birdseed, offering water sources and avoiding chemical pesticides.
Prevention
Eliminate conditions that crickets find favorable and they'll find more desirable places to live. For example, many cricket varieties love damp, dark environments, moist houseplants and kitchen scraps and will stay away from your home if you're not offering these things. Crickets often feed on decaying plant material, so cleaning up your yard and gardens can help, also. Keep doors and windows tightly closed, and caulk any holes or gaps where crickets might enter your home. Crickets are attracted to light, so turn out as many lights as possible each night.
Tags: your home, Garlic Barrier, cricket varieties, doors windows, fresh peppers, keep crickets, place fresh