Camel Cricket
Appearance
Large, arching hind legs; thin, wispy antennae; humpbacked appearance; wingless
Color
Range of browns; babies are translucent
Size
Bodies are about 5 centimeters long; legs can reach up to 10 centimeters long
Habitat
Moist environments, such as caves, wells, rotting stumps and damp leaves
Interesting Facts
Unlike most crickets, camel crickets do not chirp
About the Camel Cricket
Because of their preferred dwelling environments, camel crickets are often found in damp basements and greenhouses, two places where people find them to be a nuisance. While somewhat freakish in appearance, camel crickets are harmless to people.
They use their large hind legs and antennae, which sit close together toward the front of the head, to navigate and adeptly obtain food. Also known as cave crickets, these pests are accustomed to spending their lives in the darkness and will scatter when in the light.
Camel Cricket Control
In the case of an extreme infestation – often attributed to long, rainy periods – property owners may notice unusual brown or black marks on floor joists or in the crawlspace. This can be caused by the fecal smears of the camel cricket.
Prevention begins by controlling potential dwelling sites, removing moisture, keeping stored items off the ground and properly caulking and sealing the property. However, if an infestation occurs, Strategic Industries has an array of materials and products to effectively remediate the situation.
House Cricket
Appearance
Larger, compound eyes; small bodies; overlapping, translucent wings; long antennae
Color
Range of yellowish-browns
Size
Adults are approximately 1 inch long
Habitat
Under rocks; within trees and stumps; among leaves
Interesting Facts
There are approximately 900 species of crickets throughout the world.
About the House Cricket
The common house cricket is the one we associate with nighttime chirping. Only the males create this sound using a large vein in their wings, and it’s typically related to external temperature or mating.
They’re omnivores, scavenging on decaying, organic materials, fungus and small plant particles. They mate in late summer; lay eggs in the fall; and babies hatch in batches of up to 200 in early spring.
House Cricket Control
Look around indoors to find crickets, as they are primarily outdoor animals that prefer to remain concealed. When they get indoors, it’s often by accident. Keep weeds, shrubs, wood piles and grass trimmings cleared from around the property.
If you hear crickets on the property at night, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an invasion or infestation. However, Strategic Industries uses a number of materials and prevention plans to help remove crickets from your property and safeguard from future entry.