Some individuals find comfort in the sound of crickets chirping, while others find it bothersome. If you are not accustomed to the sound of crickets chirping all night, it may be difficult for you to fall asleep. If this applies to you, then you may be interested in learning how to eliminate cricket noise during the nighttime.
Crickets sing at night because most predators are active during the day. Therefore, crickets remain silent to avoid detection by predators, as even the slightest disturbance could signal an impending threat.
If you are looking for ways to stop crickets from chirping or eliminate them, you have come to the right place. Continue reading to discover the numerous strategies listed below that can help you put an end to the sound of crickets.
How Do They Make a Sound?
Male crickets produce sound by scraping a sharp edge on the file-like serrations present on the edge of their toughened front wings, known as a “scraper.” Stridulation is the technique employed by males to attract females as their mates. This sound stimulates the cricket to extend its wings.
Due to their sensitivity to noise and movement, crickets are capable of detecting our presence. Their calling song is potent and serves to attract females while also discouraging other males. Crickets do not utilise acoustic calling during morning gatherings; instead, they reserve this tune for use during the day in secure locations.
How to Get Rid of Cricket Noise at night : Some Useful Tips
The good news is that there are several ways to reduce or eliminate cricket noise. Some methods are easy, while others require effort and dedication on your part.
Here are some techniques that can help you silence crickets, allowing you to sleep peacefully without the need to contact an urgent pest control service:
Trap them:
One of the easiest ways to reduce the noise caused by crickets in the evening is by trapping them and limiting their population. This can be achieved using pest catchers that are widely available in the market, providing a variety of options. Most insect catchers consist of large boards with sticky surfaces created using glue or adhesive.
The crickets that accidentally step on these pest catchers are captured and used as bait. Therefore, using foods and scents that crickets are attracted to can help entice them towards the trap.
Introduce cricket predators:
Predators can help to control the population of insects by hunting and consuming them, which in turn reduces the amount of noise they create at night. Crickets, being one of these insects, are naturally preyed upon by animals such as dogs and cats, which hunt and eat them even in their hiding spots.
Birds are also known to feed on crickets and can be attracted to your garden by installing nest boxes or setting up feeding stations outdoors. Similarly, frogs are natural predators of crickets and can be enticed to your yard by constructing ponds.
Kill Lights:
At night, crickets are particularly attracted to light and often congregate around windows and other sources of brightness.
If you want to keep these insects away while you sleep, it is recommended to turn off the lights in your room and adjacent rooms. It is also beneficial to switch off any outdoor lights that are not required. Additionally, you could consider investing in light-blocking curtains to prevent light from entering your room through the windows.
Low Temperatures:
If you can hear crickets in your home, you can reduce the noise they create at night by controlling the temperature. Typically, crickets are more active and chirp more when the temperature is between 82⁰F and 86⁰F.
To calm them down and reduce their activity, lower the temperature. When crickets are less active, they chirp less. To ensure a restful night’s sleep, you can set the temperature before going to bed.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that this technology only works in controlled environments, as changing the overall temperature of your home can be difficult.
Soundproof Your Room:
Soundproof technology is an effective approach that can prevent you from having to deal with insects directly. By soundproofing your room, you can also prevent outside noises from entering, so you won’t have to endure the nightly screech of crickets.
To soundproof your room, you can use acoustic panels or specific soundproofing materials, such as noise-cancelling curtains.
Keep your garden clean:
Crickets are able to avoid predators by concealing themselves in dark areas during the day, and they are attracted to grasslands at night. To discourage crickets from approaching your home, it is recommended that you keep the grass around your house short by regularly mowing it. This will make the area feel less secure to crickets since there will be less shelter available. Additionally, removing clutter from inside your home can help prevent crickets from finding hiding spots.
If you have items such as piles of logs, scattered pebbles, potted plants, or anything else that might retain moisture and provide a dark hiding spot for crickets, it is best to relocate them to the garden’s boundary.
White Noise Machine and earbuds:
A good white noise machine for the office can enhance your productivity if you work from home by blocking out background noises, such as crickets.
However, white noise machines or fans may trick your hearing into thinking that the noise has stopped. On the other hand, sound sleeping earbuds can aid in blocking out distractions and enabling a peaceful and restful night’s sleep, particularly if you have difficulty sleeping well.
Vinegar & Salt spray:
Crickets can be effectively eliminated by using vinegar and salt. To use vinegar for getting rid of crickets, follow these steps:
To eradicate the chirping sounds of crickets, follow these steps:
Add approximately 4 ounces (around 110 ml per litre) of vinegar to water.
Pour the prepared solution into a spray bottle.
Generously spray the area where the chirping sounds are originating from.
After being in contact with the vinegar for a minute, most crickets will perish using this technique.
If you do not have vinegar available, salt water can be used as an alternative. Nevertheless, it is important to note that salt water is slightly less effective than vinegar. Hence, it is recommended to increase the ratio of salt to water to 6 ounces per quart or approximately 170 millilitres per litre.
Scents spray:
Crickets, like many insects, have an aversion to essential oils. As a result, essential oils are frequently used as organic insecticides. To achieve optimal results, thyme, sage, or rosemary-based essential oils should be used. To repel and deter crickets, spray the oils in areas where you suspect they may be hiding.
In the event that you do not possess any essential oils, generously sprinkle peppermint, lemon, and cinnamon throughout your yard, as these scents are also detestable to insects.
Last Words:
I hope that you now understand how to get rid of cricket noise at night. By following all of the mentioned tips, we assure you that your problem will be solved soon.
