The Creepiest Crickets Ever Seen in Knoxville

If you’ve heard someone talk about camel crickets and the name makes you gasp, you’re not alone. Imagining a cricket-camel hybrid is terrifying. We can ease your fear by assuring you that camel crickets are not the size of a camel. They get their name from their humped backs. However, these pests do look like spiders. If you’ve never heard of camel crickets, or even if you have, keep reading for answers to all your camel cricket-questions.

What are camel crickets?

Camel crickets, also called spider crickets, cave crickets, and sprickets, are creepy pests. They look a lot like spiders but are a kind of cricket with a humped back and long legs. They also have long antennae, which is what gives them a spider-like appearance. They are brown and tan and can be around ½ an inch to 1 ½ inches long.

How do camel crickets get inside?

Camel crickets can get inside through cracks in the exterior of your home or tears in the screens around your windows or doors. They come inside looking for shelter and often hide out in basements. They like cool, damp, dark areas. Besides basements, you might find them in crawl spaces, storage areas, or garages.

Do camel crickets die in the winter?

Camel crickets, unfortunately, can be year-round pests. If they get inside, they can live out the winter inside your Knoxville home. In fact, during the fall months and early winter, you may see more camel crickets than at any other time of year since they’ll be looking for warm places to spend the winter and will be seeking shelter in your home.

Can camel crickets hurt you?

Camel crickets don’t bite or sting. They also aren’t known to carry dangerous diseases or bacteria. That means the short answer is no. However, they are considered nuisance pests. They don’t chirp like other crickets do, but their chewing noises can be loud and annoying. Plus, they can be terrifying pests to have around. Their defense mechanism when scared is to jump straight at you… something that can be horrible to experience when you’re trying to relax in your home. Plus, their chewing can cause expensive damage to your home. They eat fabrics, so you may begin to see holes in clothing, upholstery, curtains, bedding, and more.

How do you get rid of camel crickets?

The best way to get rid of camel crickets is to stop them from getting in. Check the exterior of your home for holes or cracks that may be acting as entry points for camel crickets. You can also keep them out by making your home less appealing to them. Use a dehumidifier and fans in damp and infrequently used areas of your home, like the basement and garage. This will keep the humidity levels down so that camel crickets seek shelter elsewhere.

If you aren’t sure how to keep camel crickets from getting inside, or if they keep getting in despite your best efforts, ask Russell’s Pest Control for help. We have the experience to help you identify these creepy-crawly creatures, and we know how to keep them outside. Our pest control treatment plans are effective and personalized, so you won’t ever have to see these scary pests again.