Camel crickets, also known as cave crickets, belong to a large group of insects found throughout the world. Over 100 different kinds are native to the United States and Canada. But are camel crickets dangerous? We investigate this question in the article below.
These crickets do not chirp, as they lack sound-producing organs, making them silent invaders of your home.
They are typically found in moist areas outdoors like under stones, logs, or within overgrown vegetation, providing them with excellent hiding places.
It’s common to wonder if camel crickets are dangerous, given their appearance and ability to infiltrate homes. The good news is that camel crickets don’t pose a serious threat to humans or pets.
They don’t bite or carry diseases, but they can still be a nuisance when they enter your home, especially in late summer and fall.
Understanding Camel Crickets
Appearance and Characteristics
Camel crickets, belonging to the family Rhaphidophoridae, have a distinct and unique appearance. These crickets are known for their humpbacked shape, which gives them their name.
They come in a variety of colors, ranging from light to dark brown. Some key features of camel crickets include:
- Long antennae
- Large hind legs
- No wings
- Size: 0.511-1.3 inches (13-33 mm) long
Comparing camel crickets to other common crickets, we can see some clear differences:
| Feature | Camel Crickets | Other Crickets |
|---|---|---|
| Wings | Absent | Present |
| Shape | Humpbacked | Flatter |
| Antennae | Extremely long | Moderate length |
| Legs | Very large hind legs | Smaller legs |
Habitat and Distribution
Camel crickets can be found across North America, including Canada. They thrive in moist environments such as under logs, and stones, and in overgrown vegetation like ivy. Some typical habitats you might find camel crickets in include:
- Caves
- Basements
- Cellars
Because they prefer dark and damp locations, camel crickets might accidentally enter homes, particularly during late summer and fall.
Are Camel Crickets Dangerous?
Bites and Health Threats
Bites: Camel crickets are generally harmless and do not bite humans. However, they can be a nuisance when they accidentally enter homes, especially during the late summer and fall months.
Health Threats: Though not considered dangerous, camel crickets are not known to carry diseases or be poisonous.
Damage to Homes and Property
Wood and Fabrics: Camel crickets can cause damage to your home and belongings. They are known to feed on wood, fabric, and clothing.
Infestation: In rare cases, infestations can occur, causing damage to property and becoming a nuisance.
Comparison of Camel Crickets with Other Common Crickets
| Feature | Camel Crickets | Common House Crickets |
|---|---|---|
| Bites | Not known to bite | May bite occasionally |
| Health Threats | None known | None known |
| Damage to Homes | Wood, Fabric, etc. | Minimal |
Behavior and Diet
Nocturnal Activities
Camel crickets are dark brown insects that exhibit nocturnal behavior. They are:
- Active at night
- Attracted to dark, damp environments
In contrast to other cricket species, camel crickets do not produce sound.
Food Preferences
Camel crickets have a varied diet that consists of:
- Organic matter
- Plants
- Fungi
- Other insects
- Water for hydration
Although they are not considered dangerous, their food preferences can lead them to consume household fabrics, wood, and other items.
However, they mostly feed on dead plants, living and dead insects, and fungi when outdoors.
Comparison between Camel Crickets and Common Crickets
| Features | Camel Crickets | Common Crickets |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark brown, humpbacked | Reddish-brown or black |
| Sound Production | No sound | Chirps loudly |
| Activity | Primarily nocturnal | Primarily nocturnal |
| Food Preferences | Organic matter, plants, fungi, water, other insects | Plants, decaying organic matter, and insects |
In summary, camel crickets have distinct nocturnal behaviors, and their diet mainly consists of organic matter, plants, fungi, water, and other insects. While not dangerous, they might consume household items on occasion.
Camel Crickets Infestation
Common Hotspots
Camel crickets are attracted to:
- Cool, dark, and moist areas
- Basements
- Garages
- Crawl spaces
- Utility rooms
- Under logs
- Wells and caves
These nocturnal insects often invade buildings and homes, especially in areas with high moisture and low light. They can also be found outdoors in tall grass, weeds, stones, woodpiles, and near debris.
Preventing and Controlling Infestations
To prevent camel cricket infestations:
- Seal holes in the ground
- Remove debris and clutter
- Ventilate damp areas
- Use a dehumidifier
- Keep firewood away from the home
- Maintain the landscape (trim tall grass, remove weeds)
Indoor methods:
- Vacuum cleaner (remove eggs, nymphs, and adults)
- Sticky traps (capture crickets without chemicals)
- Pest control professional (for severe infestations)
Outdoor methods:
- Remove hiding spots (woodpiles, stones, cardboard)
- Clear away tall grass and weeds
- Trim back overgrown vegetation
Comparison table:
| Indoor Methods | Outdoor Methods |
|---|---|
| Vacuum cleaner | Remove hiding spots |
| Sticky traps | Clear away tall grass and weeds |
| Pest control professional | Trim back overgrown vegetation |
It’s important to remember that camel crickets, also known as “sprickets,” may resemble spiders but are not dangerous.
They can, however, become a nuisance due to their jumping behavior and infesting homes.
By following the above prevention and control methods, you can minimize the chances of an infestation and keep your living spaces camel cricket-free.
Identification and Comparison
Camel Crickets vs. Other Crickets
Camel crickets, also known as cave crickets, have a slightly humpbacked appearance, giving them their name. They have long antennae and large hind legs, with no wings as adults.
Other common crickets such as field and house crickets have a flatter body and wings, which they use for chirping. Here are some key differences between camel crickets and other crickets:
- Chirping: Camel crickets do not chirp, while field and house crickets do.
- Color: Camel crickets are generally tan, reddish-brown, or dark brown, while other crickets can vary in color.
- Habitat: Camel crickets prefer dark, damp environments like caves and basements, while other crickets prefer outdoor grassy areas.
Camel Crickets vs. Spiders
Although camel crickets have long legs that give them a spider-like appearance, they are definitely not spiders. Here’s a comparison of camel crickets and spiders:
| Features | Camel Crickets | Spiders |
|---|---|---|
| Number of legs | 6 | 8 |
| Body segments | 3 (head, thorax, abdomen) | 2 (cephalothorax, abdomen) |
| Chirping | No | N/A |
| Web-spinning | No | Yes (most species) |
| Diet | Scavengers, feed on various organic | Predators, feed on insects |
| materials |
In summary, camel crickets might resemble spiders due to their long legs, but they are different in many ways.
Understanding the differences between camel crickets and other crickets, as well as spiders, helps in identifying and managing any potential concerns in your home or garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the camel crickets, often found in our homes and gardens are often misunderstood to be harmful.
Yes, their humpbacked appearance and silent infiltration might look scary, but camel crickets do not pose a significant danger to humans or pets.
They are harmless creatures, but they can be a nuisance when they reach indoors. They can damage fabrics and wood. However, you don’t need to take drastic measures to eliminate them.
Once you understand their habits and natural prevention methods, you can coexist peacefully with these insects.
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about camel crickets. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Camel Cricket
This is a large one…
These are all in my shed. I live in Wanaque, NJ. They are HUGE and UGLY. What are they? Crickets?? I hope you can figure this one out. I’ve never encountered them until about 2 years ago. Hope you can tell what this is. Thanks!!!
Jolanta
Hi Jolanta,
We haven’t posted any recent images of Camel Crickets, but there have been several recent questions. Thankfully you have supplied a new and interesting photo. Camel Crickets are like damp dark places and are often encountered in basements.
Letter 2 – Camel Cricket
Subject: Long antennas
Location: Central NJ USA
July 6, 2015, 7:19 pm
Can you identify it? Found inside the kitchen. Long curling fine antennas. Four striped legs and a little smashed. Beelike body without wings – found on the floor when a lower cabinet was opened – cabinet or toe kick area – not sure which.
Signature: Freaked Out
Dear Freaked Out,
This Camel Cricket is more of a nuisance than it is a problem. They are generally found in damp, dark places, like basements. They will not harm you. What appears to be a stinger is actually an ovipositor, an organ used by the female to lay eggs.
Letter 3 – Camel Cricket
Subject: Weird spider grasshopper-looking bug
Location: Indianapolis
October 24, 2015 10:55 am
I’ve grown up in central Indiana and I was an outdoor kid, unlike the kids these days. I had a woods and pond and creeks near which I was at morning to night pretty much my whole childhood.
I’ve turned over many logs and debris laying around and have seen all types of insects. I am 39 years old now and do all sorts of home maintenance and never encountered this type of insect.
I opened a door leading to a storm shelter under this house to find the fuse box for the main electricity and several of these things were just hanging around on the walls.
At first glance, I thought it was a huge spider but once I got closer and inspected this odd-looking bug I was totally baffled as to what this is and where they come from and whether are they poisonous.
Please help if possible.
Signature: Creeped out from Indy
Dear Creeped out from Indy,
Camel Crickets are harmless, though they can be a nuisance as they prefer damp, dark places like basements. They are also called Cave Crickets.
Letter 4 – Camel Cricket
Subject: What bug is this?
Location: Washington DC
November 30, 2015, 6:41 pm
Found this guy relaxing in my apartment during late November in Washington DC
Signature: Guy who might burn his apartment to the ground
Dear Guy,
You do not need to burn your apartment to the ground. This is a Camel Cricket and they are frequently found in damp, dark places like basements and crawl spaces.
More light and a dehumidifier will keep them from establishing in your apartment, though if your apartment is a basement apartment, control may be more difficult.
Letter 5 – Camel Cricket
Subject: Weird-looking bug!
Location: Oklahoma
January 6, 2016, 9:11 pm
I saw this bug in my kitchen and am not sure what it is. Hopefully, you can help me out in identifying it!
Signature: Thank you. -Alexis
Dear Alexis,
Camel Crickets are generally found in dark, damp places like basements, crawl spaces, and under sinks.
Letter 6 – Camel Cricket
Subject: Hey
Location: Nc
April 25, 2016, 8:28 pm
I was outside and I found this wired bug and was wondering if you could tell me what it is that would be cool thanks Mr bug Man 🙂
Signature: Chris
Hey Chris,
This is a Camel Cricket. They are fond of dark, damp recesses, and they are frequently found in basements. According to BugGuide:
“Most are omnivorous and will feed on most anything organic. Many (if not most) will catch and eat other smaller animals when they can. In houses may chew on paper products, occasionally fabric.”
Letter 7 – Camel Cricket
Subject: Can you identify this insect?
The geographic location of the bug: Indianapolis Indiana
Date: 11/09/2017
Time: 02:10 AM EDT
Need help
How you want your letter signed: Thanks
This is a Camel Cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. They are frequently found in dark, damp basements where they will feed on a large variety of materials. According to BugGuide:
“Most are omnivorous and will feed on most anything organic. Many (if not most) will catch and eat other smaller animals when they can. In houses may chew on paper products, occasionally fabric.”