WATCH: Swarms of Creepy Bugs Are Taking Over This Texas City!

It's spooky season in Texas and while we’re all gearing up for Halloween scares with spooky decorations or costumes, a different kind of creepy-crawly has invaded North Texas!

It’s not the usual mosquitos

Nope, this time, it’s black crickets, and they’re everywhere in the Dallas Fort Worth area! If you don’t believe me, just take a look at this video recorded of crickets just casually hanging outside on a light pole. I would FREAK OUT!!

North Texas is experiencing a major cricket outbreak

Michael Merchant, an expert from Texas Agrilife Extension, says these outbreaks tend to happen after dry springs and summers, with the worst cricket swarms popping up in August and September—especially after some good ol’ Texas rain. And after this week’s downpours in that area, crickets are out in full force!

But before you reach for the bug spray, hold up! Crickets actually play a pretty important role in the ecosystem. According to the National Library of Medicine, they help break down organic matter and recycle dead plant material—kind of like nature’s little cleanup crew.

So, instead of pesticides, experts recommend using natural repellents like peppermint, lavender, citronella, or vinegar. Turns out, crickets can’t stand the smell! 

So, if you want to keep your home cricket-free, stock up on these scents and keep the spooky critters out of your home and also, be thankful that it’s just crickets invading your space and not something even creepier like….. SPIDERS!