Question
We rent a cottage every year right on Lake Erie and there is always crickets inside the cottage, a fair amount.  I usually buy about 5 cans of raid and spray the whole cottage before we unload, but I really don't like to do that now that we take our puppy and my three small grandchildren.  Also there are all those little bugs that are around the lights at night.  Is there anything non-toxic that I can use to control this the week we are there, or what would be the least toxic spray to use.  Thank you.  Sue

Answer
Sue,

Long-term the best solution is to try and seal the cottage so that the crickets can't get in. This will have the added benefit of making the building more weather-proof and more comfortable. If you are going to use insecticides indoors I *strongly* suggest switching to one of the new plant-based "botanical" aerosols. They are much safer and just as effective. In this case EcoEXEMPT KO would be a good choice (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/botanical_insecticide.html and http://astore.amazon.com/livingwithbug-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=17 for a source).

Changing the outside light to a yellow-colored "bug light" will help but there's not a lot you can do, it is just "part of nature". None of the insects attracted to the light are harmful.

I hope this is useful. Post a follow up if you have questions.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com