Pest Identification: Camel Crickets in Tennessee

Camel crickets, sometimes called “cave crickets,” “spider crickets,” or “sprickets,” are among the most common cricket species found inside the home. While they are mostly considered nuisance pests that may unwittingly find their way into your home in search of cool, damp, dark shelter, they can damage fabrics, linen, clothing, and even carpet if an infestation gets too out of hand. 

How to Identify Camel Crickets

Camel crickets are generally light brown with dark-brown bands all over their body and a humped back, which is where they get their name. They have very long legs that often get them mistaken for very large spiders. Just because they aren’t spiders doesn’t mean they aren’t creepy; those powerful legs allow them to jump up to four feet! Their antennae are nearly twice the size of their body so they can navigate easily in the dark. It’s important to note that camel crickets don’t chirp, so if you hear chirping around your home, your hopping invaders might be field crickets. 

Identifying Camel Crickets In and Around Your Home

When outside, camel crickets are generally found under rocks, under logs, or inside caves. When there are extreme changes in weather, such as excessive rain or long periods of hot, dry weather, that camel crickets may find their way inside. Because they like cool, damp areas, you’ll generally find camel crickets in your basement, laundry room, and crawl spaces. One or two of these spider-like invaders is disturbing but generally not an issue. If you start to see small brown smears along your wall, that might be evidence you have a serious problem on your hand. That brown stuff is called frass, better known as camel cricket poop. 

Rid your Home of Camel Crickets with U.S. Pest Protection

Prevent camel crickets from stumbling into your home by airing out any damp spaces every now and then using a dehumidifier and sealing any entry points in your foundation. In addition, move any wood piles away from the side of your home to break the bridge camel crickets may use to enter your home.

If the number of camel cricket sightings around your home is too disturbing, it might be time to call in a professional. Luckily, our knowledgeable pest technicians can help you identify the source of the infestation and develop a treatment plan to get rid of them. Schedule your free consultation with U.S. Pest Protection today.