The jumpers in the dark corner
Camel crickets look alarming and leap at you, but they’re harmless, and drying out the basement does most of the work.
Silent.
Camel crickets have no wings and don’t chirp, so most people find them by surprise.
Moisture lovers.
They gather in damp basements, crawl spaces, garages and window wells.
Coverage.
Crickets are covered on every Rock Pest plan, with free re-service between visits.
Camel crickets are humpbacked, long legged crickets that live in damp, dark places like basements, crawl spaces and garages. They don’t chirp, they don’t bite people, and they jump when startled. They move in for moisture and shelter, so drying out the space is the first fix.
Crickets are covered on our home pest control plans, and a steady exterior barrier keeps new ones from wandering in. Here’s how to spot them and what works.
How do you identify camel crickets?
Camel crickets are tan to brown with a humped back, very long antennae and big jumping back legs. They have no wings, which is why they never chirp.
People sometimes call them cave crickets or spider crickets because of their long legs. Field crickets, the ones you hear at night, are darker and shinier. Our post on what attracts crickets covers the yard side of the problem.
Why are camel crickets in my basement?
Camel crickets are in your basement because it’s cool, damp and dark. They hide in corners, behind stored boxes, near sump pits and around floor drains.
Outside, they live under mulch, stones, woodpiles and decks. Gaps around doors, window wells and utility lines let them walk right in. Our guide to basement pests covers the other bugs that like the same conditions.
Are camel crickets harmful?
No, camel crickets don’t bite or sting people and don’t spread disease. In large numbers they can chew on stored fabric, cardboard and paper.
The bigger issue is what they signal. A basement full of camel crickets usually has a moisture problem worth fixing. Our post on whether crickets are a cause for concern goes deeper.
How do you get rid of camel crickets?
Dry out the space, clear their hiding spots and block their way in. Then a barrier treatment handles the rest.
- Run a dehumidifier in the basement.
- Fix leaks and keep gutters flowing away from the foundation.
- Store items in sealed plastic bins off the floor.
- Pull mulch, woodpiles and stones back from the foundation.
- Seal gaps around doors, windows and utility lines.
On each visit, we inspect your home, yard and entry points, apply an exterior barrier, treat inside where needed and email you a report. Allow 10 to 14 days for products to work.
Camel crickets come in with other fall invaders like ground beetles. See our guide to occasional invaders and the cellar spiders that share the basement.
Tired of jumping crickets in the laundry room? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, camel crickets don’t bite or sting people. They may jump toward you when startled, but that’s an escape move, not an attack.
Camel crickets have no wings, and crickets chirp by rubbing their wings together. That’s why you see camel crickets but never hear them.
Moisture and shelter attract camel crickets. Damp basements, crawl spaces, mulch beds and woodpiles near the foundation give them what they need.
Yes, crickets, including camel crickets, are covered on every Rock Pest home pest control plan. Quarterly plans start at $56.50 a month with free re-service between visits.
A dehumidifier helps a lot because camel crickets need damp air to survive. Pair it with sealed gaps and a barrier treatment for the best results.
