5 Best Cricket Pesticide | What Pros Won’t Tell You Crickets

Our readers keep the lights on and the coffee maker working hard! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The chirping of crickets might be a soundtrack to summer evenings, but when they invade your home or destroy your garden, the romance fades fast. These jumpy pests chew through fabrics, damage seedlings, and can multiply before you know it. Finding a reliable cricket pesticide means cutting through vague labels and empty promises to land on something that actually stops them in their tracks.

I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time dissecting product formulations, reading owner testimonials, and comparing efficacy data from multiple indoor and outdoor scenarios.

Whether you need a perimeter barrier, a granule spread, or a non-toxic trap, this guide helps you choose the most effective approach. After weeks of market research and cross-referencing hundreds of verified reviews, I’ve narrowed down the best cricket pesticide options that deliver real, lasting relief.

How To Choose The Best Cricket Pesticide

Selecting the right cricket pesticide depends on the severity of the infestation, the location (indoor vs. outdoor), and your tolerance for chemicals. Crickets are resilient — they jump and hide, so a spray-on-contact formula isn’t always enough. You need a product that either creates a long-lasting barrier, lures them to a trap, or kills them at the source.

Active Ingredients That Matter

Look for bifenthrin, cypermethrin, or permethrin — these pyrethroids are proven to knock down crickets quickly. For non-chemical solutions, glue traps with built-in attractants can be surprisingly effective, especially in basements or garages where crickets like to congregate.

Application Method

Concentrates that you mix in a tank sprayer offer the best value for large areas. Ready-to-use sprays are convenient for spot treatments. Granules work well for lawns, but require watering in and drying time. Glue traps are set-and-forget, making them ideal for ongoing monitoring.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Indoor products must be low-odor and leave no stains. Outdoor barriers need to withstand rain and sun. Some products, like perimeter sprays, are designed to be applied around doors and windows to stop crickets from entering in the first place.

Quick Comparison

On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.

Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
J T Eaton Spider & Cricket Glue Trap (5-pack) Glue Trap Indoor cricket monitoring & capture Non-toxic, scented attractant, 10″x2.5″ each Amazon
Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer Granule Lawn & perimeter cricket control 20 lb bag, covers 20,000 sq ft, fast-acting Amazon
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer Concentrate Concentrate Indoor/outdoor barrier around home 32 oz makes 4 gallons, bifenthrin+cypermethrin Amazon
Raid Max Perimeter Protection Ready-to-Use Spray Quick indoor/outdoor crack & crevice treatment 30 fl oz, up to 18 months, no odor Amazon
Bonide Spider & Ground Bee Killer Dust Hard-to-reach voids where crickets hide 2-pack of 10 oz, permethrin 0.25% Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. J T Eaton Spider & Cricket Glue Trap (5-pack)

Non-ToxicScented Attractant

The J T Eaton glue trap is a time-tested solution that relies on a scented attractant to lure crickets, spiders, and other crawling insects onto a powerful adhesive surface. Manufactured by a company with nearly a century of pest control expertise, each trap measures 10 inches by 2.5 inches — compact enough to fit along baseboards, behind appliances, or in garages. The glue remains effective in a wide range of temperatures, even cooler environments where many other adhesives fail.

Owner feedback consistently highlights the trap’s ability to catch crickets that jump past spray treatments. Because the product is non-poisonous, it’s safe to use around children and pets as long as the trap is placed out of reach. Users report catching multiple crickets per trap overnight, especially in basements and crawl spaces where moisture attracts these pests.

One limitation is that the attractant scent doesn’t work equally well in all environments — some users in very clean homes found it took a few days to get results. The traps are not weatherproof, so they must be kept dry. Still, for indoor cricket monitoring and capture, this glue trap set offers a reliable, chemical-free approach that complements any insecticide program.

What works

  • Non-toxic and safe for homes with pets
  • Scented attractant pulls crickets from hiding
  • Works in cooler temperatures where other glues fail

What doesn’t

  • Not weatherproof — must stay dry
  • May take time to attract crickets in very clean areas
Premium

2. Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer (20 lb)

Granule20,000 sq ft Coverage

When crickets have taken over your lawn and are creeping toward the foundation, Ortho BugClear provides a powerful broadcast solution. This 20-pound bag of granules can cover up to 20,000 square feet when applied with a spreader, then watered in. The active formula kills both above-ground insects and those hiding in thatch and soil, including ants, fleas, and sod webworms — but it’s particularly effective against crickets because it creates a chemical barrier in the grass layer where they hide.

Owner reviews consistently praise the speed of knockdown. Many report seeing dead crickets within hours of watering in the granules. The product is also labeled for use around vegetable gardens and flower beds, making it versatile for homeowners who need comprehensive pest control. The barrier effect lasts for several weeks, reducing the need for frequent reapplication during peak cricket seasons.

The main drawback is the requirement of a lawn spreader and water activation — it’s not a grab-and-go solution. Also, pets and children should stay off the lawn until the granules are watered in and the grass dries, typically a few hours. If you’re dealing with a heavy cricket population in a large yard, this granular treatment offers the best value and coverage of any product on this list.

What works

  • Covers large areas economically
  • Fast-acting — kills crickets within hours
  • Safe for use around vegetables and flowers

What doesn’t

  • Requires spreader and watering-in step
  • Pets/children must avoid area until dry
Value

3. Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer Concentrate (32 oz)

Concentrate12-Month Barrier

Ortho Home Defense Concentrate is a staple for homeowners who want a long-lasting perimeter barrier. The 32-ounce bottle makes up to 4 gallons of spray when diluted — enough to treat the foundation, doors, and windows of an average home multiple times. The combination of bifenthrin and zeta-cypermethrin provides immediate knockdown and residual protection against crickets, ants, roaches, and spiders for up to 12 months on non-porous indoor surfaces.

According to aggregated owner reports, this concentrate works best when applied with a tank sprayer. Users describe crickets dying within minutes of contact, and the barrier prevents new ones from entering. The low-odor formula is comfortable for indoor use around kitchens and bathrooms, and the lack of staining is frequently noted as a major advantage over oil-based sprays.

The biggest complaint is that the concentrate must be mixed exactly per instructions — too weak and it won’t kill, too strong and it may leave residue. Also, outdoor barriers may need reapplication after heavy rain. Nevertheless, for the price per gallon of mixed spray, Ortho Home Defense delivers exceptional value for ongoing cricket prevention around the home.

What works

  • Long-lasting indoor protection (up to 12 months)
  • Low odor and non-staining
  • Cost-effective concentrate

What doesn’t

  • Requires precise mixing with water
  • Outdoor barrier may need reapplication after rain
Budget

4. Raid Max Perimeter Protection (30 fl oz)

Ready-to-Use Spray18-Month Protection

Raid Max Perimeter Protection is a convenient, ready-to-use spray that creates a long-lasting insect barrier. The nozzle delivers a precise stream for targeting cracks, crevices, and entry points where crickets sneak indoors. It claims to kill and repel over 15 types of bugs and remains effective for up to 18 months on indoor surfaces, outlasting many competing sprays.

Owner reviews often mention how easy it is to use straight out of the bottle — no mixing, no spreader. Users who sprayed along baseboards and window sills report a dramatic drop in cricket sightings within a few days. The formula leaves no oily residue or strong odor, which makes it suitable for living areas and kitchens.

The downside is that the 30-ounce bottle covers a relatively small area compared to concentrates. For large homes or serious infestations, you may need multiple bottles. Additionally, the long-term residue can accumulate with repeated applications. Still, for quick, targeted cricket control without the mess, Raid Max is a solid choice.

What works

  • Convenient ready-to-use spray
  • Long residual action (up to 18 months)
  • No odor or staining

What doesn’t

  • Small bottle, limited coverage
  • Accumulated residue with frequent spraying
Specialized

5. Bonide Spider & Ground Bee Killer (2-pack of 10 oz)

Dust ApplicatorSnorkel Tube

Bonide’s dust insecticide is designed for those hard-to-reach voids where crickets and other pests build harborage — inside wall cavities, under cabinets, or in attic cracks. Each 10-ounce container comes with a snorkel tube that extends into tight spaces. The dust contains 0.25% permethrin, a fast-acting pyrethroid that kills insects on contact and continues working as long as it remains dry.

User feedback emphasizes the value of the snorkel — it allows precise application without the mess typical of powder dusters. Crickets that come into contact with the dust die quickly, and because the dust stays put, it creates a persistent kill zone. Several owners report that pairing this dust with perimeter sprays achieved complete cricket elimination in their basements.

The main limitation is that the dust is not intended for open surfaces or areas where children or pets might disturb it. It also loses effectiveness if it gets wet. For focused treatment of cracks and crevices, however, this specialized product fills a unique niche that liquid sprays cannot reach.

What works

  • Snorkel tube reaches deep into cracks
  • Fast knockdown with permethrin
  • Long-lasting residual in dry voids

What doesn’t

  • Not for open areas — keep away from pets/kids
  • Ineffective if the dust gets wet

Hardware & Specs Guide

Application Method

How you apply a cricket pesticide directly affects its reach and longevity. Glue traps (like JT Eaton) are passive — set them and forget them. Sprays can be ready-to-use (Raid) or concentrate (Ortho Home Defense). Granules (Ortho BugClear) require a spreader and water activation. Dusts (Bonide) need a snorkel for voids. Choose based on your specific infestation pattern and willingness to invest in equipment.

Active Ingredients

Pyrethroids such as bifenthrin, cypermethrin, and permethrin are the most common and effective against crickets. They attack the insect’s nervous system on contact. Glue traps rely on a scented attractant instead of chemicals. For those avoiding synthetic pesticides, non-toxic options exist, but they generally offer slower, more localized control.

FAQ

Can cricket pesticides harm pets?
Most synthetic pesticides are safe once dry, but it’s best to keep pets away during application and until the area is completely dry. Glue traps pose a physical risk if a pet steps on them — place traps where animals cannot reach. Always read the label for pet safety guidelines.
How long does a cricket pesticide barrier last?
Indoor sprays like Raid Max claim up to 18 months on non-porous surfaces. Outdoor barriers may last several weeks but can be washed away by rain. Granules last around 4-6 weeks in the lawn. Glue traps remain effective until the adhesive is covered with dust or insects.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most gardeners, the best cricket pesticide winner is the J T Eaton Spider & Cricket Glue Trap 5-pack because it’s non-toxic, continuously effective, and ideal for indoor monitoring. If you want a long-lasting perimeter barrier, grab the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer Concentrate. And for heavy lawn infestations, nothing beats the Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer Granules for wide coverage and fast knockdown.

Please use a real email you check. If it's fake or mistyped, your message won't reach us and we can't reply — wrong addresses are rejected automatically.