Why crickets are the protagonists of warm seasons and tips to keep them out of the home

The bands of crickets that every year to invade urban and suburban areas become a reality the protagonists from warm seasons. These insects with their massive look and his loud singingattract the attention of those who find thousands of them clustered around buildings, gas stations and businesses.

Although their presence can be annoying, experts from hl Texas A&M University clarify that these swarms They pose no real danger. The field cricketsdespite its tendency to penetrate spaces in large quantities, they don’t bite or sting. Yours instead biggest “inconvenience” lies in constant noise which they generate males sing to attract femalesespecially when they manage to sneak into homes. Fortunately, this fThis phenomenon is temporary and its intensity changes every year.

Wizzie Brownspecialist in integrated pest control AgriLife Extension Service from the Department of Entomology Texas A&Mexplains that the formation of these groups is cyclical and normal at certain times of the year. “These swarms are formed by everyone. years and in some cases also in autumn“, he said Brown. However, he stresses that there is no cause for concern as crickets do no harm apart from their annoying presence and the noise they make.

The formation of these swarms is mainly caused by two factors: arrival of cold fronts and artificial lighting. According to Brown, field crickets They are born in early spring and reach maturity in three months. During the summer, when the heat increases, these insects look for cool places to take refuge. Brown states that “the moment of the arrival of cold fronts is what activates the activity of crickets because they do not like heat”.

In addition to the weather, light plays a crucial role in the concentration of crickets. Buildings with intense lightingwhich remains lit from dusk to dawn, attracts crickets in large numbers. Brown mentions that “crickets tend to congregate at the front doors of businesses, gas stations, and car dealerships where bright lights are on all night.” Homes may also be affected if they have outdoor lights that remain on at night.

In warmer parts of the state, there may be several generations of crickets in a single year. Warm winters also affect the number of generations and increase cricket populations in certain seasons. Brown details which, as with most insects, quantity field crickets It increases, peaks, and then declines seasonally. The period when crickets congregate in large numbers lasts four to six weeks before their numbers begin to decline.

during that time Brown recommends taking simple measures to minimize the presence of crickets near homes and businesses. Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights can reduce the chance of attracting these insects.

“Excessive lighting can cause crickets to enter structures, especially if doors and windows are not properly sealed.” warns the expert.

For those looking for a more permanent solution, Brown he suggests using special bulbs that are less attractive to insects. This type of lighting can help reduce the number of crickets that congregate around homes and businesses. It also ensures that properly sealing entrances and keeping windows closed can be an effective way to prevent these insects from entering indoor spaces.