There are several smells that repel crickets, including:
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Citrus: Crickets dislike the sharp, acidic aroma of citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges. This is likely due to the natural compounds found in citrus, such as limonene and citronellal, which act as natural insecticides and disrupt the sensory receptors of crickets.
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Peppermint: The strong scent of peppermint can also repel crickets. You can make a natural cricket repellent spray by mixing fresh hot chilis and/or hot chili powder with 2 cups of water and a few drops of dish soap.
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Cinnamon: Crickets dislike the smell of cinnamon, so you can try sprinkling cinnamon around areas where crickets are present.
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Lemon juice: Lemon juice is another smell that crickets dislike.
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Musk cologne: Artificial scents like musk cologne can also deter cricket infestations.
To keep crickets away from your home, you can also try the following tips:
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Store piles of garbage or firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and use bait traps near any wood or compost piles.
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Install a door sweep and seal gaps in window frames, pipes, and air conditioning lines to prevent crickets from sneaking through even the tiniest of cracks into your home.
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Declutter your home to upend any spots where the crickets might hide.
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Use natural predators that prey on crickets, such as lizards, spiders, and birds.
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Plant nitrogen-fixing plants such as peas, beans, and legumes, or garlic, clover, cilantro, sweet potatoes, and sweet peas in your garden to irritate crickets and drive them out.
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Use glue cricket traps in areas like kitchens or basements where crickets may hide.
By using these tips and smells, you can repel crickets and keep them away from your home.