As summer winds down and fall begins in New Jersey, homeowners and businesses often face a common nuisance: crickets and mice trying to find their way indoors.
At Callahan’s Termite & Pest Control, we know this is the time of year when these pests start seeking warmth, and as your trusted exterminators and pest control experts, we’re here to help keep them out.
Crickets and mice aren’t just annoying—they can cause real problems. Mice can chew through wires, insulation, and food packaging, while crickets will keep you up at night with their chirping and can even damage fabrics and paper. As the weather cools, these pests look for cozy spots indoors, making your home or business their new nesting place.
Why Crickets and Mice Are Common in NJ as Summer Ends
In the cooler fall or autumn season in New Jersey, crickets and mice start heading indoors. They’re looking for warmth and shelter, and your home or business is the perfect spot. Crickets are drawn to the humidity and warmth of basements and crawl spaces, while mice seek out cozy areas like attics and garages to nest.
Why NJ’s Environment Attracts Pests
New Jersey’s mix of urban areas, waterways, and wooded regions creates an ideal environment for pests like crickets and mice. Cities provide plenty of hiding spots and food, while nearby forests and water sources give them space to thrive outdoors. When the weather cools, these pests naturally gravitate toward indoor spaces, making it tough to keep them out without proper prevention.
Increased Human Activity
The back-to-school season and busier commercial spaces disturb outdoor habitats, sending crickets and mice looking for new homes indoors. Schools and businesses can easily become hotspots for infestations, as open doors and heavy foot traffic give pests the chance to sneak in.
Identifying Crickets and Mice Infestations
Signs of Crickets
One of the most telling signs of a cricket infestation is the characteristic chirping sound, which becomes especially noticeable during the quiet of the night. This noise is often produced by male crickets rubbing their wings together to attract females.
Sightings of crickets around doors, windows, and other entry points are common, as these areas provide easy access to indoor environments. Crickets, including house and other crickets, can cause damage by chewing on fabrics, papers, and stored items in basements and attics, leaving behind small holes and frayed edges.
Signs of Mice
If you see small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings, typically found near food sources, trash cans, or along baseboards, these are a clear indication of frequent mouse activity. Gnaw marks are another sign, as mice tend to chew on wires, insulation, and food packaging to keep their teeth sharp and gain access to food. You may also find nests made from shredded paper or fabric materials hidden in attics, crawl spaces, or other secluded areas.
Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, or attics, especially at night, often suggest that mice have infiltrated your space. To secure entry points and deter mice, using materials like steel wool can be an effective barrier against these unwanted guests.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners and Businesses
Sealing Entry Points
Ensuring that your house or business is secure from pests starts with inspecting and sealing any cracks, gaps, and other potential entry points around the property. These openings are common entryways for both crickets and mice seeking shelter as the weather changes. By using weatherstripping and door sweeps, you can create an effective barrier to prevent these pests from entering your space.
Reducing Attractants
Maintaining a clean and organized environment is important when reducing attractants for pests. Food storage areas should be kept clean, with food sealed tightly to deter mice. Additionally, managing moisture levels, particularly in basements and crawl spaces, can make the environment less appealing to crickets. Address any signs of leaks or excess humidity to prevent these areas from becoming a haven for pests.
Yard and Exterior Maintenance
Yard maintenance is essential in discouraging crickets from making your property their temporary home. Keeping grass and vegetation trimmed reduces hiding spots for crickets, while removing clutter, debris, and potential nesting materials from around the property minimizes opportunities for pests to find shelter. A well-maintained exterior can significantly lessen the likelihood of an infestation.
Regular Inspections
Regular pest inspections as fall approaches, helps to catch and address any signs of infestations early. By conducting these inspections, you can identify and mitigate potential problems before they escalate.
Callahan’s offers comprehensive inspection services for both residential and commercial properties, ensuring that your home or business spaces remain pest-free and secure year-round.
Staying Vigilant Against Autumn Pests
As the seasons change and crickets and mice seek refuge indoors, it’s essential for homeowners and businesses in New Jersey to remain vigilant. Implementing proactive measures, such as sealing entry points, reducing attractants, and maintaining outdoor spaces, can significantly decrease the likelihood of an infestation. Regular inspections are also crucial in identifying potential problems early on, allowing for timely intervention.
By combining these strategies with professional pest control services, you can ensure a safe and comfortable environment throughout the autumn months. Being proactive not only protects your space but also contributes to a healthier living and working atmosphere for everyone.