Where do crickets come from? I don’t mean mom and dad
cricket; I mean how do they get in? Just now I entered my master bath to find a
big one clinging to a wall above the baseboard. I came back with a glass and managed
to capture it, but I couldn’t help wondering how it came to share my living
space.
It’s snowing outside. I wouldn’t blame any creature for
trying to find shelter, but I didn’t put out the welcome mat for these beings I have mistaken for leaves or mud until they jumped in my face.
My brother says that every woman he’s ever known covers bugs
with drinking glasses and vomit with paper towels. I wouldn’t know about the
vomit, but last week I had three glasses upside-down on my carpet, each one
holding a darting cricket prisoner until I could safely retrieve it for
disposal.
Personally, I endorse the drinking-glass method and plan to
continue covering these little pests until they get the idea. Maybe, like ants,
they have scouts that can pass the word.
Usually I talk to a cricket as I’m trying to capture it. I
tell it that it’s made a mistake. Even so, many times I walk it to the front door
and release it back into its own environment. Crickets are harmless to humans and
are believed by some to bring good luck. They can’t help it if they hop. I
still don’t want one for a roommate.
As a kid I thought creatures in nature would look like the
Walt Disney versions. Jiminy Cricket, Disney’s version of the pesky critters I
now chase with glassware, made his debut in Pinocchio,
gracing the screen in a top hat, gloves, a little suit with tails, and shoes
complete with spats, making me think now of Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain. Jiminy sang and even carried an umbrella. He wore
a smile and dispensed friendly advice.
Though it has been many years since I saw Pinocchio or watched the Mickey Mouse
Club on TV, I remember one song that Jiminy sang: “Always Let Your Conscience Be
Your Guide.” That would be good advice for real crickets considering a home invasion. I suppose it could apply to those of us bearing tumblers and juice glasses, too.
Now to do something with the original subject of this post, "under glass" in front of my makeup mirror. Don't worry, I plan to release it on its own recognizance. Outside.
Loved this piece! I share your discomfort of sharing inside space with these annoyingly loud, springy critters. Although they seek refuge in our garage periodically, they've not gotten into our home. Harry enjoys going in the garage and loves chasing bugs (although he doesn't eat them, he will aggravate them until they sneak out under the garage door to a safer environment.) Note: I still prefer a cricket to a mouse! eek!!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Betty. :)
DeleteHi Jane! This took me back to our conversation last week! Although the crickets don't bother me you know spiders do! I could never look at a spider underneath a glass. I know that sucker would figure a way to get out and come after me. It's life must be terminated by someone ASAP.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you as I was writing this, Debbie. I share your fear that one of my captives will somehow escape and come after ME. :)
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