How to Kill a Cricket that's Loose in Your House

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Your guide to catching, killing, and preventing crickets in your home
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If you’ve got a cricket in your home, you’re probably looking for advice on how to catch it, and then kill it or set it free. You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a complete guide on what to do if there’s a cricket loose in your house, including luring it out of its hiding place, trapping it, and getting rid of it. We’ve also included some tips on how to keep crickets out of your home, with expert insights from entomologist Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

How to Catch and Kill a Cricket

To lure a cricket out of its hiding spot, try making a trap with a glass jar. Place some molasses and a bit of water in the jar to attract the cricket, then wait. After a bit of time, it should enter the jar and get stuck in the sticky molasses mixture. Once you've caught the cricket, smash it, or set it free outside.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Catch a Cricket in Your House

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  1. Take a clean glass jar and place a generous spoonful of molasses inside it. Add a bit of water to make the molasses just a bit more runny, then place the open jar in the area where you have heard or seen the crickets. The crickets will be attracted to the molasses and jump into the jar to get to it. Then, once they’re inside, the sticky molasses will make it hard for them to escape. [1]
    • Once you’ve got your crickets trapped, you can either kill them, set them free outside, or, if you like to fish, you can use them as fish bait.
    • This is a good option if you only have one or two crickets hopping around, but if you have a more intense infestation on your hands, you may want to try out commercial sticky traps (which we’ll go over below).
  2. Take a can of beer and empty the contents, leaving behind just a few drops. Leave the beer can lying on its side in the area where the crickets are. The crickets will be attracted to the beer and crawl in the can to get to the drops left inside,then they’ll have a hard time getting out. [2]
    • Since you can’t see through the can to tell when a cricket’s gotten inside, you may want to sit somewhere near the can and keep an eye on it, or check it on a regular basis.
    • Like the first option, this method works best if you only have a few crickets loose in your house, since a bunch of crickets likely won’t fit in one can.
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  3. For an effective, fool-proof option, Ramsay recommends purchasing a few commercial sticky traps (also called glue traps) and placing them around your home wherever you believe there might be crickets. [3] The crickets will walk over the sticky traps and get stuck. [4]
    • Placing a bit of cornmeal in the center of each trap will help attract the crickets to the traps, as well.
    • This method works well if you’re dealing with more than 1 or 2 crickets, since you can place several traps all around your house.
  4. Crickets are attracted to light, so light traps can also help lure them out of their hiding spots. There are several commercial light traps out there that you can purchase, and they’ll attract other flying insects, as well, so they’re a good product to try out if you tend to get a lot of bugs in your home.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Kill a Cricket

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  1. This is the most straightforward way to kill a cricket. If you see a cricket that has snuck into your home, and you don’t want to catch it, then simply use something like a shoe or a broom and smash the cricket.
    • Try to be as humane as possible when killing the cricket. Give it a few hard smacks so that you can be sure the cricket is dead.
  2. There are many commercial insecticides readily available. If you have a problem with insects in your home in general, purchasing this type of product is a good idea because you can use it to kill crickets and any other type of bug that finds its way in. Follow the instructions listed on the specific product you buy, but in general, you'll simply need to spray the cricket with the insecticide to kill it.
    • After you’ve killed the cricket, dispose of it by using a large wad of toilet paper. Flush the dead cricket down the toilet or throw it in a closed trash can.
    • Clean the area where you’ve sprayed the bug spray with a disinfectant, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  3. If you have some pepper spray on hand, you can quickly kill the cricket by spraying it onto the insect, since pepper spray is deadly to them.
    • Be careful when using pepper spray—it will be painful for you if you get it near your face. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
  4. If you’ve already trapped the cricket but you don’t feel comfortable smashing it or spraying it, try sucking the cricket up with the nozzle of your vacuum. [5] If you have a bagless vacuum cleaner, be sure to empty the contents of the container in a trash can outside your home. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a bag, replace the bag immediately after you finish. Throw away the used bag in a trash can outdoors and away from your home.
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Section 3 of 4:

Keeping Crickets out of Your Home

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  1. Cats and dogs are great for taking care of any unwanted insects that might sneak into your home. [6] They are much better at finding insects than humans, so if you tend to get crickets in your home, consider getting a pet and letting them do the hard work.
    • Keep in mind that keeping a pet is a big commitment. Don’t get a cat or dog for the sole purpose of killing crickets–make sure you actually want to provide them a loving home!
  2. “One of the clearest reasons why people have homes full of crickets is that they have pest entry points on the outside of their home that allow these organisms to easily get inside,” says Ramsey. [7] “So, a really important way to exclude them would be to seal these cracks and crevices using caulk, copper wool, or steel wool. If you seal those cracks and crevices, you can stop them from being able to get inside easily,” he explains. [8]
    • Additionally, make sure to repair any broken window screens and make sure there are no gaps around windows or doors, since crickets can enter through these openings.
  3. Ramsay explains that crickets love to chew on cardboard boxes. “They can feed on the paper fibers that the cardboard is made out of, and it’s a good source of sugar and food for them. But in addition to that, when cardboard is allowed to sit for long periods of time, especially if it gets a bit damp, small amounts of micro-fungi grow on it, and the crickets are attracted to it and consume it,” he says [9]
  4. “Crickets love humidity, so run a dehumidifier,” suggests Ramsay. “It will dry out the air, and it will make it a lot more difficult for them to find a suitable habitat if they happen to make it inside,” he says. [11] Dehumidifiers are also helpful for preventing mold if you live in a particularly damp or humid area.
  5. Crickets are attracted to bright lights, so reducing the amount of outdoor lighting can be helpful to make them less attracted to your home. Try replacing any outdoor lights (e.g. porch lights) with warm yellow bulbs or sodium vapor bulbs , since these will be less appealing to crickets. [12] You can also use timers or motion sensors to make sure your outdoor lights turn off after a period of time, so they aren’t shining and attracting bugs all night.
  6. Crickets don’t like the smell of certain essential oils, like lavender , peppermint , and citronella . They also dislike the scent of vinegar. [13] Because of this, doing things like diffusing essential oils, spraying lavender or peppermint scented room spray , lighting citronella candles , or using vinegar to clean may help prevent crickets.
  7. If your lawn or garden are overgrown and have lots of dead leaves or plant cuttings on the ground, this provides perfect shelter and food for crickets, which may attract them to your house. Regularly sweeping away dead leaves, keeping the plants in your garden healthy , and mowing your lawn can all help prevent crickets from making your a home near your house. [14]
  8. Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized aquatic organisms, and it’s often used to kill insects. When the insect comes into contact with the substance, it absorbs the oils and fats from the cuticle of the insect’s exoskeleton, essentially drying them out and killing them. [15] To prevent crickets, apply diatomaceous earth around the baseboards of your house or any other potential entry points the crickets may be using to get in.
    • When applying diatomaceous earth, follow the directions listed on the product you’ve purchased, and always use food-grade diatomaceous earth products .
    • Take precautions to prevent inhaling the dust or exposing your skin to it, since it can cause irritation. Wear a dust mask, safety goggles, gloves, and clothing that covers up your arms and legs.
    • Keep pets and children away from the areas where you’ve applied the diatomaceous earth. [16]
  9. If you live in an area where insects are a common problem, you can probably find a pest control company that will come and spray your home with an insecticide a few times a year. If you are struggling with a cricket infestation, this may be the easiest way to deal with the problem.
    • Make sure that any pest control company you hire is licensed in your state.
    • If you have pets, be sure to let the company know, and ask them if their products are safe for humans, children, and pets.
    • If you believe you might have a cricket trapped in your wall, that'll probably be too difficult to fix without a pro. In this case, it’s a good idea to give pest control a call, as well.
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Section 4 of 4:

FAQs about Crickets

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  1. Crickets are nocturnal insects that are closely related to grasshoppers and katydids. The most common types found in homes are camel crickets (tan with a hump on their backs and no wings), field crickets (dark brown and black with large, rounded wings), and house crickets (yellow to brown bodies with long, pointed wings). [17]
  2. No, crickets are not dangerous to humans. They don’t pose any health risk, and they do not bite or sting. However, crickets can be a nuisance when they get into your home, since they make loud chirping noises at night that may keep you awake. Certain types of crickets can also cause damage to fabrics like cotton, silk, linen, and wool because they try to feed on them. [18]
  3. The most common sign of crickets in your home is the loud chirping sound that male crickets make by rubbing their front wings together. Crickets are nocturnal, so if you hear a lot of chirping inside your home during the evening and nighttime hours, you may have a cricket problem on your hands. Chewed edges on fabrics can be another side, but you may need to use a magnifying glass to see them. [19]
  4. If you’re worried that you may have a cricket infestation in your home, vacuum everywhere thoroughly, and use the nozzle attachment to get underneath the baseboards. Hopefully, this will suck up any eggs or crickets that might be hiding. [20] Next, place some sticky traps throughout your home and wait for the crickets to get stuck. If the problem seems too intense for you to deal with on your own, feel free to reach out to a pest control company for professional help.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why do I have crickets in my house?
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Entomologist
    Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.”
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Entomologist
    Expert Answer
    Crickets can enter your home through cracks or gaps around the house. If there is a lot of clutter inside, they can find a place to hide. If there are cardboard boxes, they can chew on them. Paper fibers are a source of sugar and food for them. When the boxes become damp micro fungi grow on them. Crickets are attracted to them and consume them. If your house has this sort of environment, crickets may find it a suitable place to live.
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  • Question
    How can I get rid of crickets?
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Entomologist
    Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.”
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Entomologist
    Expert Answer
    You can seal the cracks through which the crickets enter the house. If there are crickets in the house, you can use sticky traps to capture them. You can also use some insecticides. But those insecticides may kill some beneficial insects also. So it is better to keep the house clean and run a dehumidifier to dry out the air. It will create an environment that is not suitable for them.
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  • Question
    Can we change the beer can to something else like a Coke can?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the cricket should be attracted to the sugar in a soda can as well.
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      Tips

      • Crickets can cause damage to clothing and carpet, so don’t let a cricket live freely in your home.
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      Warnings

      • If you have used an insecticide to kill crickets, be sure to keep any pets you might have away from the dead crickets, and clean the area thoroughly before letting pets back in. Insecticides can harm or even kill your pets if ingested. If you have children, be sure that they can’t get their hands on the insecticide.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.getridofthings.com/pests/bugs/get-rid-of-crickets/
      2. ↑ https://getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-crickets/
      3. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.getridofthings.com/pests/bugs/get-rid-of-crickets/
      5. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-keep-crickets-out-of-the-house
      6. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-keep-crickets-out-of-the-house
      7. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.
      8. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.
      9. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.
      1. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.
      2. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.science.org/content/article/which-light-bulb-attracts-fewest-bugs-study-reveals-surprises
      4. ↑ https://www.altapestcontrol.com/blog/what-attracts-crickets
      5. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-keep-crickets-out-of-the-house
      6. ↑ http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html
      7. ↑ https://www.epicgardening.com/how-to-use-diatomaceous-earth/
      8. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/household-pests-crickets
      9. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/household-pests-crickets
      10. ↑ https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/occasional-invaders/house-crickets/
      11. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-keep-crickets-out-of-the-house

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you've got a cricket loose in your house and want to kill it, you can trap it by leaving a beer can with a few drops of beer inside on its side, as the cricket will be attracted by the beer and get stuck in the can. Alternatively, put a spoonful of molasses and a bit of water into an open jar, and leave the jar out for the cricket to get stuck in. You can also vacuum up crickets around your home, but make sure to vacuum under the baseboards because they often hide there. For a longer term approach, you can set up sticky traps meant for mice or rats to catch crickets. For tips on how to use insect spray to kill crickets and how to keep them out of your home, read on!

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