What on earth is a camel cricket? Is it a camel, or is it a cricket? Is it a desert-dwelling creature with humps on its back that makes chirping noises after the sun goes down? Or is it a tiny, grass-dwelling insect that jumps away as you approach and can go for long periods of time without drinking water? The fact is a camel cricket is none of these things. It doesn't even look like a camel - or a cricket, for that matter. It actually looks more like a spider. And if you've even encountered one of these insects, you probably didn't soon forget the encounter, as they tend to jump out from dark cellar corners to scare unsuspecting souls.
Facts about camel crickets:
Camel crickets are also called spider crickets or sprinkets; but most people just call them gross.
Camel crickets are similar to cave crickets and belong to a large group of insects. There are 100 different kinds of camel crickets found in the United States and Canada.
Unlike many other types of crickets, camel crickets do not chirp. In fact, they do not make any vocal noises at all.
These insects feed on different kinds of animal products, plants, fabrics and other insects.
If allowed to grow to large populations, they can cause damage to fine fabrics and houseplants. Outdoors they can damage plants, lawn furniture fabric, and clothes hung out to dry.
Camel crickets are called "camel" crickets because they have an unusual appearance. Their heads are bent downward between their front legs - which makes their back appear humpbacked, like a camel.
These insect's antennae are much longer than their bodies.
They can grow to be as large at 1 ½ inches in length.
Camel crickets love moisture. This is why they are typically found in laundry rooms and bathrooms.
Is there anything that can be done to keep these critters out?
Removing moisture is the key. Keep your basement and other areas as dry as possible by ventilating and using fans and/or dehumidifiers to dry things out.
Keep the area around your home free from weeds and tall grass.
Do not have mulch, ground covers, shrubs or other moisture-retaining ornamentals near your foundation.
Store firewood away from your house and up off the ground.
Make sure all your window and vent screens are tight and free of holes.
Install weather stripping on the bottom of all windows, doors, and garage doors.
Seal holes in your foundation and walls with caulk.
Stack boxes in garages and basements on pallets and away from walls.
Try using glue or sticky traps near doorways to catch any invading insects.
Is there anything that can be done to get these critters out?
Once you are infested with camel crickets, be it a few or a few thousand, they can be a challenge to get rid of--but not for the seasoned professionals here at Thomas Pest Services. With service from Thomas Pest Services, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Don't be scared out of your wits by these crazy jumping creatures any longer, get help today.