Camel crickets, also known as cave or spider crickets, are common household pests. They typically seek refuge indoors in damp, dark conditions. Understanding their characteristics helps explain their presence.
Identifying Camel Crickets
Camel crickets are recognizable by their humpbacked appearance. They range from light tan to dark brown, sometimes with mottled patterns or dark bands. Adults usually measure between 0.5 and 1.5 inches in length.
They have six long legs, with large hind legs enabling considerable jumps. Unlike other cricket species, camel crickets are wingless and cannot fly or chirp. Their long antennae, often twice their body length, serve as primary sensory organs, aiding navigation in dark environments.
Camel crickets thrive in cool, moist, dark environments. They are found in basements, cellars, crawl spaces, and garages. Outdoors, they prefer leaf litter, under logs or stones, in wells, and woodpiles. They often move indoors when outdoor conditions become too dry, hot, or cold.
Do They Bite?
Many wonder if camel crickets bite humans. While they possess mandibles, they are harmless to humans and do not bite in a medically significant way. Their mandibles consume organic matter like decaying plants, fungi, fabrics, and small insects.
If a camel cricket were to “bite,” it would be a rare occurrence, likely a defensive reaction if provoked or handled. Any bite would be a pinprick or mild irritation, with little pain, swelling, or lasting effects. No venom is associated with them, and they are not known to transmit diseases to humans.
Their erratic jumping behavior often makes them seem threatening. When startled, their primary defense is to leap erratically to escape or disorient a predator. This sudden movement, combined with their spider-like appearance and tendency to jump towards light, can be startling.
Managing Camel Crickets in Your Home
Managing camel crickets involves making your indoor environment less appealing. As they are attracted to moisture, reducing humidity is key. Dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages lower moisture levels, making spaces less hospitable. Ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas also helps.
Sealing entry points also prevents them. Repair cracks in foundations, seal gaps around windows and doors, and install door sweeps. Well-maintained window and door screens also block access.
Reducing clutter both indoors and outdoors eliminates hiding spots. Removing piles of leaves, wood, and debris from around the home’s perimeter deters congregation near entry points. If inside, non-chemical methods like vacuuming, sticky traps for monitoring, or shallow bowls of soapy water aid removal.