Question
Hello! We heard scratching in what we assumed was a rodent in our attic crawl space on Saturday night. Turns out it was a giant potato bug (Jerusalem Cricket).  There is no vegetation in our attic crawl space so we are baffled as to how it got there and what it's living on.  This afternoon, I spotted another one next to the house on my patio which is approximately 10 feet away from where we found the one on Saturday.  We live in So Cal and our home is on a slab that has no apparent cracks.  We have weatherproofing on all new doors and windows and did a major remodel last year including new insulation. Could there have been larvae in there?  Immediately following construction, we had a comprehensive termite service for subterraneans, as well as an ongoing monthly treatment on our home's exterior for ants, spiders.  So, why am I seeing these insects all of a suddent? What can I do to get rid of them? Please advise.

Answer
Joyce,

Jerusalem crickets (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/jer_cric.html and click on the picture link) are seeking shade and water when they enter structures. They do not multiple indoors. My guess is that this one must have been carried into the attic by accident, perhaps in a box that was moved from the garage or shed to the attic. These insects are completely harmless so no treatment is needed.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com