Have you ever seen strange looking crickets around your Evansville home and wonder how to prevent them from becoming a problem? You may be observing camel crickets. They have a humpbacked appearance, hence the name camel cricket. These pests are usually light to dark brown in color, and may have dark banks or a mottled look.
Adult camel crickets can grow from ½ inch to 1 ½ inches in length, and they have large, powerful legs. They do not have wings, so do not chirp as other crickets do. Camel crickets are not dangerous, and they are not known to carry or transmit any diseases.
Camel crickets are annoying when they infest a property or home in large numbers. They can damage fabric items inside your home, but are generally considered a nuisance pest. They have been known to leap off of walls when frightened, sometimes in the direction of humans, causing us immediate stress.
How Camel Crickets Get Indoors
During winter months, camel cricket adults and nymphs look for shelter inside homes or other buildings in order to overwinter in. Indoors, they seek out dark, damp environments where they can hide, such as laundry rooms, basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms that are not used frequently.
Since they are nocturnal, camel crickets forage for food at night and hide throughout the day. Most of the damage camel crickets do is through their feeding habits. Camel crickets feed on:
- Upholstery
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Drapes
This feeding leaves unsightly holes behind. Camel crickets also sometimes feast on mold, mildew, plants, and other insects.
How To Keep Camel Crickets Out Of Your Home
To prevent camel crickets in your Evansville home, you can start by trying these tips:
- Block all potential entry points, including cracks in your foundation and crevices in your exterior walls.
- Make sure all of your screens and vents are properly in place and in good repair.
- Seal around all window and door frames.
- Install door sweeps.
- Use air circulation systems or dehumidifiers to prevent humidity.
- Remove clutter from closets, storage, attics, and basements.
- Keep mulch and grass away from the exterior of your home.
- Maintain gutters so that water is directed away from your home.
How To Rid Your Home Of Camel Crickets
If you still need relief from these annoying and fabric-damaging pests, call on the folks at Action Pest Control. Our professional technicians will get rid of camel crickets and any other pest you may be dealing with in your home. Our solutions are convenient and effective. We provide a comprehensive range of services. Choose from one of our Premier Pest Control programs which include coverage for over 40 pests.