Camel Crickets Identification Guide
Ceuthophilus spp. and Diestrammena spp.
Camel crickets, also known as cave crickets or spider crickets, are humpbacked, wingless insects that thrive in dark, damp environments. Unlike true crickets, they do not chirp and are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
Taxonomy
Camel Crickets Coloration
Common color patterns to help identify camel crickets
Camel Crickets
Seasonal Activity
When camel crickets are most active throughout the year
Where Camel Crickets Are Found
Hover over states to see their names. Green regions indicate where camel crickets have been reported.
Camel Cricket Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Camel crickets (Ceuthophilus spp. and Diestrammena spp.) are named for their humpbacked shape. Their bodies measure 13mm to 33mm long. However, their very long legs and antennae make them look much bigger. Adults have thick, arched bodies that create their “camel” profile.
Their color ranges from light tan to reddish-brown or dark brown. Many have darker spotted or banded patterns. Unlike true crickets, camel crickets have no wings at any stage of life. This is a key feature for telling them apart since true crickets have wings even if they cannot fly.
Camel crickets have very long hind legs that are thick and slightly bowed. These legs are built for powerful jumping. Their antennae are often longer than their body, which helps them move around in dark spaces. Their heads are large and oval-shaped, tucked down between the front legs. Their eyes are pear-shaped.
Common Species in North America
Several camel cricket species are often found in homes and buildings:
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Native Camel Crickets (Ceuthophilus species): About 89 species live in North America. This makes them the most diverse group. They usually live outdoors under logs, stones, and leaf litter but often enter buildings.
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Greenhouse Camel Cricket (Diestrammena asynamora): This species came from Asia and is now widespread in North America. It is very common in buildings. It is slightly smaller and often paler than native species.
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Japanese Camel Cricket (Diestrammena japanica): Another Asian species now living in the eastern United States. It is often found alongside the greenhouse camel cricket.
Distinguishing Camel Crickets from Similar Pests
Camel crickets are often confused with other insects:
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House Crickets: House crickets have wings and are usually light yellowish-brown in color. They make a chirping sound. Camel crickets have no wings and are silent.
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Field Crickets: Field crickets are shiny black with visible wings. They make loud chirping calls. Camel crickets are mottled brown and never chirp.
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Spiders: Long legs and a crouched posture make some people mistake camel crickets for spiders. However, camel crickets have only 6 legs while spiders have 8. Camel crickets also have long antennae that spiders lack.
Camel Cricket Behavior and Biology
Natural History and Habitat
Camel crickets belong to the family Rhaphidophoridae. They are also called cave crickets. Despite their name, they are more closely related to katydids than to true crickets. About 150 species live in North America across 21 groups. The genus Ceuthophilus alone has about 89 species.
These insects prefer dark, humid places. In nature, they live in:
- Caves and rock crevices
- Under logs, stones, and leaf litter
- Animal burrows and hollow trees
- Dense vegetation and mulch beds
- Woodpiles and debris piles
When they move into human structures, they seek similar conditions in:
- Basements and cellars
- Crawl spaces
- Garages and sheds
- Utility rooms and laundry areas
- Bathrooms with moisture problems
- Wells and drainage pipes
Feeding Habits
Camel crickets are scavengers that eat many types of organic materials. Their diet includes:
- Fungi and mold
- Decaying plant material
- Dead insects
- Fabric, carpet fibers, and cardboard
- Paper products
- Other camel crickets when food is scarce
They prefer decaying matter. However, large numbers of them can damage stored items, fabrics, and linens.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Camel crickets survive winter as nymphs or adults. In early spring, females lay eggs in damp soil or other moist areas. The eggs hatch within several weeks. The nymphs look like tiny versions of adults.
Nymphs molt several times as they grow. They slowly reach adult size. There is no cocoon or pupal stage. Young camel crickets look almost the same as adults, just smaller. Growth from egg to adult takes several months. The time depends on temperature and moisture.
Seasonal Activity
Camel crickets stay active year-round inside protected buildings. Outdoors, they become more visible during weather extremes. Long hot, dry spells or heavy rainfall often push them into buildings. They look for more stable conditions. Fall is a common time for indoor invasions as they seek shelter for winter.
They are most active at night when they come out to feed. During the day, they hide in dark, protected spots.
How We Treat for Camel Crickets
Our camel cricket treatment uses the same approach we use for millipedes and centipedes. We combine targeted treatments with changes to your environment for lasting results.
Interior Inspection and Treatment
Our technician inspects the inside of your home. We focus on areas where camel crickets are active or likely to be:
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Garages and storage areas
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms
- Areas with visible moisture problems
We look for camel crickets, entry points like cracks and gaps, and signs of moisture issues. We apply a repellent insecticide to baseboards and other areas where camel crickets are active. This creates a barrier that pushes crickets away from treated areas.
Exterior Treatment
The technician also inspects the outside of your home. We focus on the foundation and perimeter. We pay close attention to areas with mulch, landscaping, or other moisture sources where camel crickets gather.
We apply a granular insecticide to the exterior perimeter and mulch or soil areas. This targets camel crickets at their source before they can enter your home. It reduces the outdoor population that puts pressure on your home.
Moisture Control Guidance
Camel crickets need humid conditions to survive. We provide tips for making your home less inviting to them:
- Reduce indoor humidity: Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces. Make sure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans vent to the outside.
- Fix moisture sources: Repair plumbing leaks and improve drainage around the foundation. Address any condensation problems.
- Improve ventilation: Make sure crawl spaces and basements have enough airflow.
- Create a dry buffer zone: Keep mulch and landscaping 12 to 18 inches away from your foundation.
Exclusion Measures
Stopping entry is key for long-term control:
- Seal cracks and gaps in the foundation with caulk or foam
- Install weatherstripping along the bottom of doors
- Make sure door sweeps fit tightly against thresholds
- Seal openings around pipes, wires, and utility lines
- Repair damaged window screens and seal gaps around window frames
Ongoing Prevention
Our triannual pest control plan (three visits per year) provides regular monitoring and treatment to maintain control. This ongoing care addresses camel crickets along with other common household pests. It ensures populations do not rebuild over time. Regular follow-ups are important because camel crickets can quickly recolonize suitable habitats.
References
Other Crickets
Explore other species in the crickets family
Commonly Confused With
Camel Crickets are often mistaken for these similar pests
Where Camel Crickets Are Found
Hover over states to see their names. Green regions indicate where camel crickets have been reported.
Common Questions about Camel Crickets
Why are camel crickets in my basement?
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Camel crickets look for cool, damp, dark places. Basements, crawl spaces, and garages are ideal for them. They enter through cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors, or openings around pipes and vents. High humidity and organic matter attract them.
Do camel crickets bite or sting?
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No, camel crickets do not bite or sting humans. They cannot bite and have no venom or stinger. Their jumping can be startling, but they pose no threat to people.
Why don't camel crickets chirp like other crickets?
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Camel crickets belong to a different family than true crickets. They have no wings, so they cannot make the chirping sound that other crickets make.
Can camel crickets damage my home?
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Camel crickets can cause minor damage to fabrics, carpets, cardboard, and other materials if their numbers grow large. However, they are mainly scavengers. The damage they cause is usually small compared to other pests.
Are camel crickets a sign of a moisture problem?
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Yes, finding camel crickets indoors often means excess moisture. They need humid places to survive. Their presence may point to a humidity issue, plumbing leak, or poor airflow in your basement or crawl space.
How do I prevent camel crickets from entering my home?
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Reduce moisture by using dehumidifiers and fixing leaks. Seal cracks and gaps in your foundation, around doors and windows, and near pipes and wires. Install weatherstripping and door sweeps. Keep firewood and debris away from your foundation. Remove leaf litter and mulch from against the house.
What do camel crickets eat?
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Camel crickets are scavengers that eat many things. They feed on fungi, plant matter, rotting material, fabric, cardboard, and sometimes other insects. In homes, they may chew on stored items, clothing, or carpeting.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area.