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Jerusalem Crickets in Fontana Yards: What’s Attracting Them and How to Get Control

  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read

It usually happens when you’re outside in the evening. Maybe you’re watering the yard or walking past the side of the house, and something catches your eye moving along the ground. You take a closer look and realize it’s not a typical bug you’re used to seeing.


It’s larger, heavier, and honestly a little strange-looking.


That’s typically how homeowners in Fontana first come across a Jerusalem cricket. And once you’ve seen one, it tends to stick with you—especially if you start seeing them more than once.


Why Jerusalem Crickets Show Up Around Fontana Homes


Jerusalem crickets are already part of the natural environment in Fontana and across the Inland Empire. They spend most of their lives underground, so you don’t see them often unless something brings them up to the surface.


One of the biggest factors is irrigation. Regular watering creates soft, damp soil, which is exactly what these pests prefer. Landscaped yards, garden beds, and grassy areas become ideal places for them to live.


Jerusalem cricket pest control service in Fontana, Ca
Jerusalem Cricket also known as a "potato bug"

Another factor is soil disturbance. If you’ve recently done yard work, planted new landscaping, or had areas dug up, it can push them closer to the surface.


Temperature also plays a role. On warmer evenings, especially after watering, they tend to come out more often. That’s when homeowners in Fontana start spotting them around walkways, patios, or near the foundation.


Where They Stay Hidden Around Your Property


Jerusalem crickets don’t like being exposed. They stay tucked away most of the time, which is why they seem to appear out of nowhere.


Around homes in Fontana, they’re commonly hiding:

  • Below the soil near foundations

  • Under stepping stones or decorative rocks

  • In garden beds and planter boxes

  • Beneath outdoor items like wood, pots, or debris

  • Along moist areas created by sprinklers or drip systems


Occasionally, they’ll wander into garages or lower-level entry points, especially at night when they’re more active.


Why Jerusalem Crickets Become a Bigger Issue Over Time


Even though they’re not considered dangerous, they can still become a real nuisance.

The biggest issue is repeated encounters. Once your yard becomes a good habitat, you’re likely to keep seeing them.

Potato bug pest control treatment in Fontana, Ca
"Potato bug" or Jerusalem cricket close up

They can also damage roots and soft plants in gardens as they feed underground. And while they don’t seek out people, they can bite if picked up or disturbed.


More importantly, their presence often points to conditions that attract other pests. Moist soil and sheltered areas can also bring in earwigs, ants, and other unwanted bugs.


How Fontana Homeowners Can Reduce Jerusalem Cricket Activity


If you’re trying to cut down on activity around your home, the goal is to make your yard less inviting.


Focus on:

  • Managing how often and how much you water

  • Keeping soil areas compact and well-maintained

  • Clearing out clutter and debris near the home

  • Sealing entry points around doors, vents, and foundations

  • Letting areas dry out when possible


These steps can help reduce sightings, but they usually don’t eliminate the issue completely—especially if the population is already established.


Why Professional Pest Control Makes the Difference


Because Jerusalem crickets live underground, they’re not easy to control with surface treatments alone.


Jerusalem cricket pest control treatment Fontana, Ca
Close up of a Jerusalem cricket

Professional pest control goes deeper. It targets the soil where they live and addresses the conditions that are allowing them to thrive.


With the right approach, you’re not just dealing with the ones you see—you’re preventing the next wave from showing up.


For homeowners in Fontana, working with a local pest control company means getting treatment that’s tailored to the specific conditions in the Inland Empire.


Get Relief from Jerusalem Crickets in Fontana


If you’re seeing Jerusalem crickets around your home, it’s usually a sign that your yard is providing exactly what they need.


Call TruPest Solutions – 951-334-5288 for dependable pest control in Fontana, Rialto, and San Bernardino. We’ll take a close look at your property and create a plan to get the problem under control.


The Local Advantage with TruPest Solutions


TruPest Solutions is based in Rialto, California and serves homeowners throughout Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino, and nearby Inland Empire communities.


Owner James has over 18 years of experience in pest control, delivering consistent, high-quality service with attention to detail.


We handle pests like ants, spiders, cockroaches, earwigs, rodents, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, bed bugs, and more.


Our 5-Point Pest Control Service includes:

  • Full inspection of the property

  • Removal of webs and pest buildup

  • Exterior perimeter treatment

  • Lawn and soil treatments where pests live

  • Interior service when needed


This system is designed to keep pests from returning, not just temporarily remove them.


Fontana’s Go-To Pest Control Specialists


At TruPest Solutions, we know how pest activity works in Fontana.


From irrigation-heavy neighborhoods to dry, compact soil areas, we understand what draws pests like Jerusalem crickets in—and how to stop them. Our approach is built specifically for Inland Empire homes.


Jerusalem Cricket Frequently Asked Questions


Why do Jerusalem crickets come out after I water my yard?


Water softens the soil and brings moisture closer to the surface, which encourages them to move around and sometimes come above ground.


Do Jerusalem crickets live permanently in my yard?


They can stay in the soil long-term if the conditions are right, especially if there’s consistent moisture and food sources.


Can Jerusalem crickets get inside through small cracks?


Yes, they can enter through small openings at ground level, especially at night when they’re active.


Are Jerusalem crickets a sign of other pest problems?


They can be. The same conditions that attract them can also bring in other pests like earwigs and ants.


What’s the fastest way to stop seeing Jerusalem crickets?


Reducing moisture helps, but professional pest control is the most effective way to eliminate them at the source and prevent repeat activity.


Keep Your Fontana Home Free from Unwanted Pests


Jerusalem crickets might not be aggressive, but they’re a clear sign that your yard is attracting more than you want.


Don’t let it turn into a recurring problem.


Call TruPest Solutions – 951-334-528

 today for professional pest control in Fontana and the Inland Empire. We’ll help you take control and keep your home protected long-term.

 
 

 TruPest Solutions

1273 w Victoria St, Rialto, Ca 92376

951-334-5288

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