What to Do If You Find Mormon Crickets Under Your Bed
Finding a weird insect under your bed can be unsettling, but the first thing to know is this: Mormon crickets are scary-looking, not usually dangerous to people. The best response is to stay calm, remove the insect safely, and check your room for a way it got in.
What Are Mormon Crickets?
Mormon crickets are large, dark insects that look like giant crickets, but they are actually related to katydids. They can move in groups and sometimes show up in surprising places during hot, dry weather. Their appearance alone can make people panic, especially when they appear inside a bedroom.
What To Do First
If you find one under your bed, do this:
- Keep calm and avoid stepping on it with bare hands.
- Put on shoes before moving around the room.
- Use a cup, jar, or tissue to trap it safely.
- Slide paper under the container, then carry it outside.
- Wash your hands after handling anything near it.
If there are more than one, check the corners of the room, behind furniture, and near windows or doors. They may have entered from a small gap, especially at night.
Why They Get Indoors
Mormon crickets usually come inside by accident while searching for shelter, shade, or a place to move through. Open windows, loose door gaps, cracks near baseboards, and clutter under the bed can make it easier for insects to hide. If your room is warm or has food crumbs, that can also attract other pests even if the cricket itself did not come for food.
How To Remove It Safely
The safest way is simple:
- Trap it with a container.
- Slide paper underneath.
- Take it outside and release it away from the house.
- Clean the area where it was found.
If you do not want to touch it at all, use a vacuum cleaner to remove it, then empty the vacuum immediately. After that, inspect the bed frame, wall edges, and floor for more insects.
How To Prevent It Again
To reduce the chance of another one showing up:
- Close windows at night or use screens.
- Seal cracks near doors, windows, and walls.
- Keep the space under the bed clean.
- Remove food crumbs and clutter.
- Check for gaps around vents and baseboards.
A small amount of prevention can save you from another late-night shock. If you live in an area where these insects are active, it helps to be extra careful during summer.
When To Worry
Mormon crickets themselves are not usually a medical emergency, but you should pay attention if:
- You see many insects inside the house.
- You notice bites or skin irritation from another pest.
- You have pest activity near food, bedding, or children’s rooms.
- You think there may be a bigger infestation nearby.
If the problem keeps happening, it may be time to contact a local pest-control professional.
Simple Reassurance
The good news is that finding a Mormon cricket under your bed is gross, but manageable. Most of the time, one insect means an opening somewhere in the room, not a serious infestation. Remove it, clean the area, and block entry points so you can sleep without worrying about it again.
