What Are Camel Crickets?
Camel crickets (family Rhaphidophoridae), also called cave crickets or spider crickets, are common household pests in North Carolina. They have a distinctive humpbacked appearance with very long legs and antennae, and are light to dark brown in color. Adults can reach up to 1.5 inches in body length.
Habitat & Behavior
Unlike other crickets, camel crickets do not chirp. They prefer dark, cool, damp environments and are commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and under stones or logs. They are most active at night and can jump several feet when startled, which often alarms homeowners.
Camel crickets feed on organic material including fabric, fungus, cardboard, and other insects. In large numbers, they can damage stored items, clothing, and curtains. Their presence often indicates excess moisture in or around your home.
Prevention & Control
To control camel crickets, reduce moisture with dehumidifiers, repair leaks, and improve ventilation in crawl spaces and basements. Remove debris and woodpiles near your foundation, and seal entry points around ground-level doors and windows. Sticky traps placed along walls in affected areas can help monitor and reduce populations.