Camel Cricket Identification & Prevention

Closely related to grasshoppers and katydids, camel crickets and other species of crickets are often identified by their large, powerful rear legs and jumping ability. When frightened or disturbed, camel crickets use their legs to jump out of the way of danger. These crickets are dark to light brown with darker mottled markings. Their body is humpbacked and wingless.

No, camel crickets are not dangerous pests. While they do have the ability to carry and transmit diseases to people, they are not considered a significant threat. Camel crickets that find their way into your home do have the potential to cause damage to your belongings by chewing on clothing, upholstered furniture, rugs, and other fabrics.

Living outside in areas that are close to homes and businesses allows camel crickets to easily access the inside of structures while foraging for food or seeking a damp, dark area to hide. Camel crickets have high moisture needs, and when the weather gets too hot and dry, they like to move inside.

In addition to caves, camel crickets live outside in the damp soil under mulch, rocks, landscaping ties, woodpiles, leaf piles, and other organic debris. They are also found in the soil around drains and sewers and under air conditioners.

Inside, camel crickets move to areas of our homes and businesses that provide them with a damp, dark environment- laundry rooms, basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.

Help from an Elizabeth City pest control expert is the best way to eliminate camel crickets and keep them from returning. The highly trained technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control are ready to help. Our family-owned company prioritizes customers first and works hard to exceed expectations. If you are looking for affordable, safe, and effective home pest control solutions, call us today.

You can be proactive and avoid potential problems with camel crickets with the help of the following prevention tips.

• Place a barrier between your home’s foundation and the soil.
• Seal cracks in your home’s foundation or exterior walls.
• Install door sweeps on basement doors.
• Maintain gutters to ensure they are directing rainwater away from the outside of your home.
• Remove standing water from your property.
• Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners in your home to reduce humidity levels.
• Reduce the clutter in basements, closets, and other storage areas to limit hiding spots.
• Store clothing, blankets, and other fabric items in plastic containers with locking lids instead of cardboard boxes.