I don’t know about you, but for many those pesky little critters, some calling them cave or the
properly named camel crickets, causing a stir and fear for the last umpteen years. Generally
congregating mostly in dark moist areas of your home. They are not dangerous, but do
leave a bit of their tiny feces behind wherever they travel. The greatest concentrations can be
found mainly in basements. However, I have seen them in my home hopping and jumping
about in my bathroom and kitchen, like an Olympic athlete, lol. Too bad they weren’t
human as they would easily win a bunch of gold medals if they were entered into the high
jump events in the Olympics, lol.
Utilizing a proper dehumidifier will help control their breed to some degree. But what I have
determined to be most effective in controlling their populations has been sticky traps. They
are safe and simple to use. You can purchase them online. Just Google “sticky traps” and buy
the large ones that appear to catch the most; and also great if you have a roach, mouse or
even a rat issue. This is the time of the year that rodents have been seeking out a warmer
environment, like going to Florida, lol; and trying to head indoors through the smallest cracks
and holes on the outside of your home. You may have spiders but surprisingly enough, I
noticed they will feed on those crickets on the sticky traps, so don’t kill spiders, although you
may feel a bit creepy having them around, they are beneficial to other unwanted insects.
You should purchase a few cans of foam sealant, white or clear calking depending on the color of
the exterior of your property. On a 50 degree day go out and seal up any holes, crevices, or
cracks that might allow an entrance into your walls where they will live and thrive throughout
the winter months. I would not suggest using any pesticides (unless done by a professional)
in the inside of your home. It is too cold to try to treat them on the outside of your home’s
foundation.
Another method, if you can be quick enough to catch them is to vacuum them up, but I have
found them to be way too quick jumping around like a windup hopping toy. Once you get
proficient like me, you can periodically, if you are quick enough, you may be able to smash
them with a rolled up newspaper or fly swatter
I am not sure for how long these insects will continue to be evident, but they are more an
annoyance than a dangerous insect. I have been seeing a consistent improvement in reducing
their populations over the last few years as those sticky traps have been the most effective
tool. However, once a year I bomb my basement only if I see an infestation. Prior to leaving
my home I open all the windows. To be very candid, I had previously been a licensed and
insured pesticide applicator through the NYS DEC and handled those types of chemicals to
control insects in my former business for over 25 years, I was extremely familiar with the procedure and process in using the materials.
When selling your home, the last thing you need is to have those crickets hopping and
jumping around while your clients are viewing your home. This might be a deterent for some
purchasers, as people are generally afraid and worry about those type of issues.
Some homeowners will go with sticky traps the natural way, others will prefer a treatment.
However, I do not suggest that you do this yourself. Hire a licensed and insured exterminator
with the years of experience in the applying the proper materials in the correct amount for
control. Also, ask if there is a guarantee that is provided with their service.
If you need any suggestions, referrals or advice, feel free to call me
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave
Suite 180 in Great Neck. For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of
your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached
by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via
https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com
