There are so many things to love about fall. The cooler weather makes this the best season to visit our beach towns, the beautiful fall foliage turns our state parks into enchanting wonderlands, and there’s no better time to plan a getaway where you can curl up by the fireplace, drink some hot cocoa, and read a good book. However, fall doesn’t only bring with it charm and cozy sweaters… as anyone in Delaware can tell you, the colder weather brings one nightmare to quite a few Delawareans.
It’s happened to all of us - we walk into our home and turn on a light, only to spot the beady, creepy eyes of the Cave Cricket.
Flickr / Brian Henderson
These creepy crickets are known by several names - cave cricket, camel cricket, spider cricket, or even just spricket. They climb up the walls, out of vents, and through the floorboards solely to spook Delawareans.
Flickr / Brian Henderson
They love dark, damp places - so expect to see plenty of them in your basement, if they can find a way in!
Flickr/ Dave Thomas
These critters are so terrifying not because they are venomous or dangerous, but because they jump directly at you whenever they feel threatened. Good luck catching them, or stomping them.
Flickr / Jessica Lucia
The best way to get rid of them is to prevent them from coming into your home in the first place. Seal up any cracks or holes around your doors and keep leaves from piling up.
Flickr / Steve Fernie
If you’ve got a lot of them in your home already, glue traps or a visit from a local exterminator will help. Be aware, though, that they’re cannibal crickets, so toss your glue traps regularly if you don’t want to witness the horror of headless crickets.
Flickr / NY State IPM Program
The cool, crisp air of autumn makes the cave crickets cold, too. They can’t wear sweaters or build fires of their own, so they just want to enjoy the comforts of your home.
Flickr / Anne Dumschat
I sure hope you don’t mind these visitors hiding in your vents, under your sheets, or right next to the fireplace poker you were about to grab. After all, they’re harmless.
Flickr / Jessica Lucia
If you’re terrified of these giant, jumping monsters, you aren’t alone! Share your best (or worst!) spricket story in the comments and let the group therapy session begin.
Flickr / Brian Henderson
Flickr/ Dave Thomas
Flickr / Jessica Lucia
Flickr / Steve Fernie
Flickr / NY State IPM Program
Flickr / Anne Dumschat
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