Camel Crickets 

Services >> CAmel Crickets

Camel crickets are so named because of the humpbacked appearance of the thorax of their bodies.  They are attracted to cool, moist areas in and around the home, especially crawlspaces, basements, garages, bathrooms, and laundry areas.

Camel crickets are often noted by homeowners when there are extremes in weather conditions (i.e. excessive rainfall or extended periods of hot weather).  Homeowners also will note frass, the small, black, pepper-like fecal spots in these areas.  Normally camel crickets will eat almost anything, including vegetation, other insects, and even each other.  Camel crickets are mostly a nuisance pest, but they can also feed upon linens and clothing and they can ruin items with their frass deposits.

Camel crickets pass the winter as nymphs (immatures) or adults.  The nymphs look almost identical to the adult, except they are smaller.  In spring, adult females begin to lay eggs in the soil.  A few weeks later, the nymphs hatch from these eggs.

An effective approach to eliminating camel crickets begins with eliminating their harborage sites, reducing conditions that are conducive for these pests and excluding these insects from entry into the home.  Here are some helpful suggestions to reduce the presence of camel crickets in your home or structure:

•  Reduce moisture in basements and crawlspaces by ventilating and using dehumidifiers and fans.
• Caulk or seal gaps and openings around windows, doors and utility pipe chase openings.
• Install weather-stripping along the bottom of house and garage doors so that it fits tightly.
• Stack boxes and other items off of the floor and away from the walls in a garage or storage area. This helps improve airflow and makes it easier to inspect for pests.
• Keep a pest-free zone around the perimeter of the home, by limiting ground cover, plantings, and mulch at least 12 inches or more away from the foundation.  Small gravel can be used instead; place it 3-inches deep and 12-inches wide in this zone. 
• Grading of the soil to improve water flow away from the structure will help.
• Keep all gutters clear and free of debris, so that water flows properly through and away from the structure.
• Do not stack firewood against the house.