Camel Cricket
Rhaphidorphoridae

Camel Crickets have also been called "Sprickets", "Criders", or I have even heard "Spider Cricket". They are cousins to the cave cricket. These crickets are usually 1/2" to 1 ^1/2" long with light tan to dark brown bodies that have arched backs and long hind legs. They are usually found in wood or stone piles, tall grass, a hole, or caves due to the moisture that is found in these areas. Many times when a pest control professional comes across these, it is due to an unwelcome infestation in a basement or crawlspace. I have entered many a crawlspace with a camel cricket infestation that sounded like it was raining from the crickets jumping down from the joists in the crawlspace. Camel crickets will spend the winter usually in their immature state or as an adult. When spring approaches, the females will find a comfortable spot in some moist soil to lay eggs that will hatch in a few weeks. These insects are not normally considered nuisance pests, but in large numbers they can be destructive. They have been known to damage fabrics on outdoor furniture, decorative plants, and fabrics and plants inside homes as well. Some non-chemical means of controlling camel crickets include: mowing/weed eating tall grass near the home, keeping excessive mulch and moisture away from foundation wall, keep your wood pile away from the house and entrance points to the home, use weather stripping on doors to keep the seal on potential entrances. Keep screens in good condition, no holes or tears, and make sure to keep moisture to a minimum in crawlspace and basement by placing a moisture barrier and vents in the crawlspace, or by using a dehumidifier in the basement. If chemical means become necessary, it is always best to check with and hire a pest professional. If you are a DIY’er, make sure that any product that you intend to use is labeled for the areas that you intend to use it for, the insects that you intend to control, and it is used strictly by the label.