Spider crickets, also known as camel crickets, cave crickets, or “sprickets,” are common insects often found in homes. Their unique appearance and startling movements can be unsettling, leading to curiosity about their habits.
The Truth About Their Jumps
Spider crickets jump as a primary defense mechanism. When startled, they launch themselves erratically, often towards a perceived threat. This unpredictable leaping is a survival tactic to confuse and escape predators, not an aggressive act. Unlike other cricket species, spider crickets are wingless and cannot fly, relying solely on their powerful hind legs for rapid escape.
Their jumps can cover impressive distances, up to 50 to 60 times their body length. When leaping, a spider cricket extends its hind legs and folds back its antennae for streamlining. They can adjust their body posture mid-air to land on their feet, enabling quick recovery. This jumping ability helps them navigate their natural, often dark and cluttered, environments.
Identifying Spider Crickets
Spider crickets have several distinctive physical characteristics. They are typically light to dark brown, or reddish-brown, sometimes appearing black in dim lighting. Their most notable feature is a humpbacked appearance, giving them their “camel cricket” nickname. They also have exceptionally long antennae, often exceeding their body length, which they use for navigation in dark spaces.
They have six legs, with powerful hind legs adapted for jumping. Adults generally range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length, excluding their long legs and antennae. They are commonly found in cool, moist environments like caves, forests, and under logs or stones. Unlike many true crickets, spider crickets do not chirp.
Encountering Spider Crickets Indoors
Spider crickets often enter homes when outdoor conditions become too hot and dry or during heavy rainfall, seeking moisture, shelter, and food. They commonly inhabit damp, dark areas within homes, such as basements, crawl spaces, utility rooms, and garages, as these spaces mimic their natural habitat.
To address their presence, reducing humidity with dehumidifiers makes the environment less appealing. Sealing potential entry points like cracks in foundations, gaps around doors and windows, and openings for pipes can prevent entry. Removal methods include vacuuming them or using sticky traps placed in corners or along walls. Removing clutter and debris, both indoors and around the home’s exterior, also eliminates hiding spots and potential food sources.