Cave crickets go by many names, camel crickets, spider crickets, sprickets, and stone crickets. Resembling the mutant spawn of a spider and a cricket or grasshopper, they are really just a nuisance pest, harmless to humans (except for scaring the daylights out of you and your children) and feeding mainly on fabrics and houseplants. They also possess the unfortunate (for you) skill of being able to jump over your shoulder and flee at warp speed when pursued. So why are these bizarre bugs taking over your home?
Cave crickets indicate moisture problems.
Cave crickets love moisture, since it is essential for their survival. Their presence is typically an indication of high humidity areas or moisture problems. Lower areas of your home that are damp and dark such as basements and crawlspaces, as well as moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries offer cave crickets the environment they need to thrive. Eliminating moisture problems in these areas will thus remedy your cave cricket problem, typically without the need for pesticides.
How to reduce conditions that attract camel crickets:
- Immediately repair leaks and seek to reduce moisture levels in problem areas.
- Add adequate ventilation to moisture prone areas such as kitchens, baths, and laundry.
- Consider using a dehumidifier.
- Seal gaps around doors and windows.
- Repair foundation cracks.
- Ensure A/C ductwork is properly sealed.
- Move sprinklers away from your home.
- Remove leaf clutter near your home.
- Keep mulch levels below 2 inches.
Cave crickets crashing your pad? Contact Allison Pest Control today. Our experts have the experience necessary to identify cave cricket lures you may have overlooked and stop infestation once and for all.