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Cricket

Geography: Throughout the United States.

Habits: Field Crickets are found outside around buildings, typically in moist situations such as mulched areas, unweeded plant beds, in and around woodpiles, stones, and debris.
Indoor Crickets inhabit basements, particularly in the summertime.

Potential hazards: Field Crickets can destroy field crops and home gardens. Indoor Crickets typically invade damp basements, utility rooms, crawl spaces, and garages. They can damage fabrics of cotton, wool, linen, silk, synthetics, leather and fur, especially when soiled with perspiration and food.

Outdoor Control starts with the reduction or elimination of moist harborage near the structure by mowing lawns, weeding plant beds, removing woodpiles, etc. Baits and powders are especially effective.

Indoor Control begins with keeping crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Installation of vapor barriers and vents may help. Entry points in masonry and door sweeps should be sealed.

Prevention: Eliminate the desirable habitats described above.