What are camel crickets (spider crickets)?

Camel crickets—also called spider crickets or cave crickets—are hump-backed crickets that prefer cool, dark, damp areas like crawlspaces and basements. They don’t chirp and often jump when disturbed.

Why do camel crickets show up in crawlspaces and basements?

They’re drawn to moisture, cooler temperatures, and shelter. Damp crawlspaces, condensation, poor drainage, and cluttered storage areas make homes more attractive—especially in humid Eastern North Carolina.

Are camel crickets dangerous to people or pets?

Camel crickets are not considered dangerous. They don’t sting and aren’t known to spread disease. The biggest issues are nuisance activity, occasional damage to stored items, and the conditions that attract them (moisture).

What’s the best way to get rid of camel crickets?

Effective control usually combines targeted treatments with moisture control: sealing entry points, improving drainage, reducing humidity in crawlspaces/basements, and using professional-grade strategies to eliminate harborages.

When should I call a professional for camel cricket control?

If you’re seeing repeated indoor sightings, activity in the crawlspace, or DIY products aren’t working, a professional inspection can identify moisture sources, entry points, and the best treatment plan for long-term control.

D & D Pest Control & Home Inspection Services in Eastern North Carolina

Camel crickets—often called spider crickets or cave crickets—are a common nuisance pest in homes throughout Eastern North Carolina. While they don’t chirp like field crickets, their large size, long legs, and sudden jumping behavior make them especially unsettling when discovered indoors.

What Are Camel Crickets?

Camel crickets belong to the family Rhaphidophoridae. Their name comes from their hump-backed appearance, which resembles a camel’s hump.

Key identification traits:

Light tan to dark brown coloring
No wings and no chirping
Long antennae and spider-like legs
Powerful jumpers when disturbed

They are most active at night and avoid light, which is why homeowners often spot them suddenly in basements or crawlspaces.

Where Camel Crickets Are Found

Camel crickets thrive in cool, dark, and damp environments, making them especially common in:

Crawlspaces
Basements
Garages
Utility rooms
Under porches or slabs

In Eastern North Carolina, high humidity and moisture problems significantly increase the likelihood of camel cricket activity.

Why Camel Crickets Invade Homes

Camel crickets usually enter structures in search of:

Moisture
Cool temperatures
Shelter from predators

Common contributing factors include:

Excess crawlspace moisture
Poor ventilation
Standing water or condensation
Gaps around doors, vents, or foundations

Homes with unsealed crawlspaces or moisture barrier issues are especially attractive to these pests.

Are Camel Crickets Dangerous?

Camel crickets are not dangerous to humans. They:

Do not bite
Do not sting
Do not carry known diseases

However, they can:

Damage fabrics, paper, and cardboard
Feed on organic debris and stored items
Become a persistent indoor nuisance when populations grow

Signs of a Camel Cricket Problem

Live crickets jumping when lights are turned on
Dead crickets found near walls or in corners
Shed exoskeletons
Increased sightings during humid or rainy weather

Prevention Tips

To reduce camel cricket activity:

Control crawlspace and basement moisture
Install or repair vapor barriers
Seal foundation gaps and entry points
Reduce clutter and organic debris
Improve drainage around the home

Professional Control Works Best

Because camel crickets thrive where moisture exists, chemical sprays alone are rarely effective. Long-term control requires:

Moisture management
Crawlspace evaluation
Targeted perimeter and interior treatments

Professional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on eliminating conditions, not just killing visible insects.

When to Call a Professional

If camel crickets are repeatedly appearing indoors, it’s usually a sign of a larger moisture or crawlspace issue. Addressing the root cause prevents future infestations and improves overall home health.

Camel Cricket