Direct Hit Pest Control Blog

If you’re a Sacramento resident, you may have noticed earwigs creeping into your home, especially during the fall months. Known for their pincers and nocturnal habits, these insects can be a nuisance indoors. But why are earwigs drawn to your home, and what can you do to keep them out? We take a look at the common causes of earwig infestations along with prevention tips to keep your home earwig-free. When you need pest control services in Sacramento or the surrounding towns, contact Direct Hit Pest Control . Why Earwigs Are Attracted to Your Home Sacramento's climate makes for ideal earwig conditions. While earwigs prefer moist environments, they often venture indoors during temperature fluctuations. These specific factors attract earwigs: Moisture and Humidity Earwigs thrive in moist environments, which is why they’re often found in basements, bathrooms, and under sinks. In Sacramento, water from irrigation systems or overwatering can create damp soil, drawing earwigs near your home’s foundation. Once there, they may seek shelter indoors if they find entry points. Shady or Leafy Gardens Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer dark, shaded areas during the day. Gardens with thick mulch, damp leaves, or dense ground cover provide ideal hiding spots. Earwigs often hide in these areas, moving closer to your home as they search for food or refuge. Light and Shelter at Night Like many insects, earwigs are attracted to light. Outdoor lights or lit windows at night can lure them closer to your home. They’ll enter through cracks, gaps in doors, or even torn window screens, taking advantage of any easy entry point. How to Keep Earwigs Out: Reduce Moisture Since earwigs are drawn to moisture, start by fixing any leaks in and around the house. Use a dehumidifier in basements, repair leaky faucets, and be mindful of overwatering garden beds. Ensure that gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation. Seal Entry Points Earwigs can enter through tiny cracks and gaps. Seal doors, windows, and foundational cracks with weatherstripping or caulk to minimize entry points. Check that window screens are intact and fit tightly, especially around ground-floor windows. Use Outdoor Lighting Strategically To reduce nighttime attraction, replace bright white outdoor lights with yellow “bug lights,” which are less appealing to insects. Avoid keeping lights near windows, and consider using motion-activated lights to minimize continuous attraction. Clear Debris and Trim Landscaping Remove any piles of leaves, wood, or yard debris close to your home, as these make perfect earwig hiding spots. Trim back plants and shrubs near the foundation to create a dry, open space that’s less inviting to pests.  Pest Control in Sacramento Direct Hit Pest Control provides professional residential and commercial pest control in Sacramento, Rio Linda, and the surrounding California communities. Our team has more than 30 years of pest control experience, giving us the knowledge and know-how to provide the highest quality services. We routinely help our clients with insect infestation and prevention. If something unwanted is living in your trees, yard, or under your roof, it’s best to let a professional pest control technician remove it so you don’t put yourself at risk of bites or other injuries To request an estimate or more information about pest control in Sacramento, give our friendly team a call at (916) 992-6870 today.

As temperatures cool and autumn arrives, crickets often seek the warmth of your home, becoming an unwelcome indoor presence. While their familiar chirping may seem harmless, crickets can cause damage and disrupt your peace. Effective pest control can prevent these critters from overtaking your space. When you need pest control services in Sacramento or the surrounding towns, contact Direct Hit Pest Control . Field Crickets - The Common Culprit Field crickets are the most common species encountered indoors during fall. They undergo a life cycle with three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. After hatching, nymphs resemble small, wingless versions of adults and molt several times before maturing. Mating involves males producing a distinctive chirping sound by rubbing their wings together—a behavior known as stridulation—to attract females. These sounds are also a way to defend territory and warn rivals. Crickets are omnivorous, feeding on plants, decaying organic matter, and smaller insects. At night, they are often drawn to artificial lights, possibly due to confusion in navigation. While relatively harmless to humans, they can damage fabrics, paper, and even indoor plants. Their tendency to gather near doorways, windows, and basements makes entry prevention critical for fall pest control. Sealing cracks and gaps, and ensuring window screens are secure will keep these chirping intruders from invading your home or building. Jerusalem Crickets - Unsettling but Rare Jerusalem crickets, while not actual crickets, are another pest that can make fall appearances in homes, particularly in the western United States. These large, slow-moving insects are often mistaken for dangerous species due to their menacing appearance, but they are generally harmless to humans. However, their presence is unsettling, and they can bite if handled. Jerusalem crickets feed on decaying plant matter and typically remain outdoors, though sealing entry points will prevent accidental intrusion. Prevention and Control The best method to control crickets is prevention. Keep outdoor lights to a minimum, as crickets are attracted to bright lights. Regularly trim your lawn and remove piles of leaves or debris where crickets might hide. Indoors, vacuum often to eliminate crumbs or food particles that might attract them. If crickets have already entered your home, sticky traps can effectively reduce their numbers, while natural repellents like diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around entry points. Pest Control in Sacramento When you have a cricket problem, contact Direct Hit Pest Control. We provide professional residential and commercial pest control in Sacramento, Rio Linda, and the surrounding California communities. Our team has more than 30 years of pest control experience, giving us the knowledge and know-how to provide the highest quality services. We routinely help our clients with insect infestation and prevention. If something unwanted is living in your trees, yard, or under your roof, it’s best to let a professional pest control technician remove it so you don’t put yourself at risk of bites or other injuries To request an estimate or more information about pest control in Sacramento, give our friendly team a call at (916) 992-6870 today.