It can be extremely frustrating when camel crickets get into your house. We get it. There is something incredibly disturbing about having a creature in your home that looks a little bit like a spider and leaps like a cricket, especially when that spider-looking cricket thing wants to leap out at you from the darkness. Why do they do this? Because camel crickets are wired to jump straight at anything they perceive as a threat. If you make a movement that startles them, they are going to respond by making a movement that is sure to startle you. This is just one of the many ways camel crickets can be a problem. But, we don't have to tell you that. We're guessing you came here for some answers. Here are some things you can do.
Camel Cricket Tips
If you already have camel crickets in your house, and we're guessing you do, there may not be anything you can do about it. Camel crickets can get into places you can't get to. So, the only tips we can give for a current infestation are not 100% guaranteed to fix your problem. But, they may.
- Wherever you're seeing camel crickets, there is a good chance it is moist or humid in that space. If you install a dehumidifier or strategically place fans, you may be able to make it uncomfortable enough for those camel crickets to find another place to hang out.
- Professionals use sticky traps to catch, and monitor for, camel crickets. You could try this. But, be aware that knowing where and how to place sticky traps is a complex process that requires an education in the habits and habitats of these insects.
The best way to control camel crickets is to not let them into your home in the first place. If you are lucky enough to have found this article before the cricket invasion which, by the way, happens in fall when temperatures start to drop, here are some things you can do.
- Do a detailed inspection of your exterior walls and use a caulking gun to fill in any gaps, cracks, or holes you find.
- Apply a sealant to any cracks in your basement walls.
- Trim or remove any vegetation that is near your basement walls to deter camel cricket activity.
- Make sure your windows and doors have a good seal, and that all screens, weather stripping, and door sweeps are in good working condition.
The only effective way to get rid of camel crickets is to have someone with a knowledge of entomology monitor, trap, and remove the camel crickets from your home. If you live in Westchester County, New York you can count on Parkway Pest Services. We've been taking care of pests for over 80 years. We'll be happy to rid your home of spider-looking crickets.