House crickets are loud, persistent, and seemingly impossible to find once they’re inside. They hide in walls, under appliances, in damp basements, and behind boxes in garages - chirping loudly but vanishing the moment you turn a light on. The most effective solution that doesn’t involve spraying chemicals throughout your living space is a high-quality glue trap or pest strip positioned correctly along their travel paths. Here are the five best cricket traps available in 2026.
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| TERRO T3206 Roach Magnet Glue Traps | Best all-around glue trap | $8-$15 | ★★★★★ |
| Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap | Best for heavy infestations | $10-$18 | ★★★★★ |
| Victor Pest Tin Cat Glue Board | Best for garages & basements | $8-$14 | ★★★★☆ |
| Hot Shot No-Pest Strip | Best for enclosed spaces | $12-$20 | ★★★★☆ |
| Black Flag Glue Trap Multi-Pack | Best budget buy | $6-$12 | ★★★★☆ |
1. TERRO T3206 Roach Magnet Glue Traps - Best All-Around
TERRO’s T3206 glue traps are one of the most recommended pest control products for indoor cricket problems. The non-toxic adhesive surface is aggressive enough to hold large house crickets firmly without them working free, and the low-profile design fits flat under appliances and along baseboards. Each pack includes multiple boards, making it easy to cover multiple entry points simultaneously.
2. Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap - Best for Heavy Infestations
When crickets are present in numbers - late summer basement invasions are a common scenario - the Catchmaster 72MAX is the right tool. Its extra-large adhesive surface area captures significantly more insects per board than standard-sized traps. The professional-grade glue formula holds even in moderately humid environments like crawl spaces and laundry rooms where standard traps can lose adhesion faster.
3. Victor Pest Tin Cat Glue Board - Best for Garages and Basements
Victor’s glue boards are a trusted option for the rougher environments where cricket populations tend to concentrate - garages, sheds, storage areas, and unfinished basements. The boards are slightly thicker and more durable than standard paper-backed glue traps, which means they hold up better on gritty concrete floors without sliding or tearing during placement. A practical, no-nonsense choice for outbuildings.
4. Hot Shot No-Pest Strip - Best for Enclosed Spaces
The Hot Shot No-Pest Strip uses a slow-release insecticide vapor to eliminate crickets in enclosed areas like closets, crawl spaces, attic access points, and utility rooms. Unlike glue boards, this approach works without the cricket needing to physically contact a surface - it’s effective in spaces where traps are difficult to position. One strip covers up to 1,200 square feet in an enclosed area for up to four months.
5. Black Flag Glue Trap Multi-Pack - Best Budget Option
Black Flag’s glue traps deliver reliable cricket-catching performance at the lowest price point on this list. The multi-pack format means you can deploy a trap in every corner, closet, and entry point without worrying about cost. They’re not as heavy-duty as the Catchmaster boards, but for a standard household cricket problem - a few chirpers in the basement or garage - they get the job done effectively.
What to Look For
- Adhesive strength: Look for boards specifically rated for larger insects - some lightweight fly traps don’t hold house crickets that can be 1-2 inches long and strong enough to pull free from weak adhesive.
- Board size: Larger boards catch more insects per placement and reduce how often you need to check and replace them.
- Chemical-free options: If pets or small children are in the household, prioritize non-toxic glue boards over pesticide strips for accessible areas.
- Humidity resistance: Basements and crawl spaces are humid - check that the trap adhesive is rated for moderate humidity, or the boards will lose effectiveness within days.
Final Thoughts
Cricket insect traps work best as part of a combined approach: seal obvious entry points around doors, windows, and utility pipe gaps, then deploy glue boards along every wall-following path inside. The TERRO T3206 is the safest and most versatile first buy, and the Catchmaster 72MAX is the upgrade for anyone dealing with a large infestation. Together, they’ll eliminate the chirping in a matter of days.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I place cricket glue traps for best results?+
Place glue traps flat along walls, in corners, and under appliances - crickets follow wall lines as they move through a space. Focus on entry points like door gaps, utility pipes, and basement corners. Avoid placing traps in open floor areas away from walls, as crickets rarely travel through open spaces and will bypass centrally placed boards.
Are cricket glue traps safe to use around pets and children?+
Most glue board traps are non-toxic and contain no pesticide chemicals, making them physically safe for households with pets and children. However, the adhesive can be very difficult to remove from fur or skin. Keep boards in areas that pets and children cannot reach - behind appliances, inside cabinets, or along baseboards behind furniture - to avoid accidental contact.
How long do cricket glue traps last before needing replacement?+
Glue board traps typically remain effective for 30-90 days depending on the environment. Dusty or humid conditions reduce adhesive strength faster. Replace boards when they appear covered with debris, insects, or when the glue surface looks dry and dull. Some brands like TERRO include window traps that let you monitor fill level without disturbing the placement.