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CAMEL CRICKETS
By: Michael Waldvogel, Extension Entomology |
Insect Note - ENT/rsc-13
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 Camel crickets get their name because
of their slightly humpbacked appearance. Their long legs give
them a spider-like appearance. Unlike other crickets, they do not have wings as adults. There are actually several species called camel crickets, but most of them are unimportant as pests. One species, Tachycines asynamorous or "greenhouse stone cricket" frequently
becomes a nuisance indoors. As its name suggests, this species is frequently found in greenhouses. Unlike
most cricket species that we see, camel crickets do not "chirp". If you are hearing
chirping sounds indoors, then you likely have field crickets, which can be controlled
in
the same manner, as outlined below. Outdoors, camel crickets are typically
found in moist areas including under stones and logs, or in stacks of firewood.
Areas
that are overgrown with vegetation such as ivy and other ground covers provide
excellent hiding places (harborages). Camel crickets pass the winter
as
nymphs (immatures) or adults. The nymphs
looks almost identical to the adult, except that they are smaller.
In early spring, adult females begin to lay
eggs in the soil. A few weeks later, the nymphs hatch from these eggs.
Problems with Camel Crickets
Non-chemical control methods
Outdoors: Any chemical control should focus first on outdoor barrier
treatments. Sprays applied to foundation walls, around vents crawlspace
accesses, basement doors and windows, and insecticidal baits applied along
the perimeter can be quite effective unless there are heavy rains. In crawlspaces,
insecticidal baits placed in corners or along the sill plate will be most
effective. Spraying in a confined area, such as a crawlspace, requires
caution
and the proper application and safety equipment. Granular baits are a better
choice for use in a crawlspace, but these products are not readily available
to the general pubilc. You can or else contact a licensed pest control company
for assistance. Consult your county Cooperative
Extension Service Center or the
NC Agricultural Chemicals Manual
for a list of appropriate pesticides. Michael Waldvogel Entomology Extension Specialist
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Pest information and control recommendations presented here were developed for North Carolina and may not be appropriate for other states or regions. Any recommendations for the use of chemicals are included solely as a convenience to the reader and do not imply that insecticides are necessarily the sole or most appropriate method of control. Any mention of brand names or listing of commercial products or services in the publication does not imply endorsements by North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services. All recommendations for pesticide use were legal at the time of publication, but the status of pesticide registrations and use patterns are subject to change by actions of state and federal regulatory agencies. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for using these products according to the regulations in their state and to the guidelines on the product label. Before applying any chemical, always obtain current information about its use and read the product label carefully. For assistance, contact the Cooperative Extension Center in your county. Distributed in furtherance of the acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. |
Camel
crickets often become a problem when we have extremes in weather conditions,
i.e, excessive rainfall or extended periods of hot, dry weather. Like
many insect pests, camel crickets are attracted to cool, moist/humid areas in and around our homes. The crickets often invade
storage buildings, crawlspaces, basements,
garages and indoor areas where moisture may be a problem (e.g., bathrooms,
laundry rooms, etc.). A telltale sign of a heavy infestation is the
presence of dark fecal smears on surfaces (such as on the floor joist
in the picture to the right).
Although they are mostly a nuisance pest, they
can damage stored items, such as garments and linens packed in boxes
in a garage or basement if the problem goes unchecked for some time and
the crickets cannot find suitable food. 
Caulk or seal gaps and openings around windows frames, doors, foundation
and clothes dryer vents, crawlspace access doors (picture at right), soffits, as well as where heating/AC and plumbing
lines pass through the foundation.