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Camel Crickets in Delaware
Humpbacked, wingless jumpers that hide in damp basements, crawl spaces and garages.
| Peak season | Year-round |
|---|---|
| Size | 1/2 – 1 1/2 inches |
| Risk | Nuisance — no bites; can damage stored fabrics |
How to identify them
Tan, humpbacked crickets with no wings as adults, antennae much longer than the body and large hind legs that make them strong jumpers. Adults range from about 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long. Unlike field crickets, they don’t chirp. The greenhouse camel cricket, native to Asia, is the species most often found in U.S. homes.
Camel Crickets in Delaware
Delaware agencies don’t publish a camel cricket fact sheet, so this page relies on NC State, Clemson and Minnesota extension guidance. Camel crickets are drawn to cool, damp places: basements, crawl spaces, garages, laundry rooms and storage buildings. They spend the winter as nymphs or adults, and problems tend to rise during weather extremes such as heavy rain or long hot, dry spells, when they look for moister spots.
When they’re active
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What you can do now
- Lower the humidity in basements and crawl spaces with ventilation, a fan or a dehumidifier.
- Caulk or seal gaps around windows, doors, the foundation, utility lines and dryer vents.
- Put sticky traps in corners, behind appliances and near doorways.
- Move piles of boards, bricks, stones and leaves away from the house.
When to call a pro
Most camel cricket problems are solved by drying things out and sealing gaps. Extension sources say insecticides indoors are generally unnecessary or a last resort. NC State Extension suggests contacting a licensed pest control company if the problem is serious or hard to manage.
Camel Crickets: common questions
Do camel crickets bite?
No. NC State researchers say camel crickets don’t bite or pose any kind of threat to humans.
Why are camel crickets in my basement?
They’re drawn to cool, damp places such as basements, crawl spaces, garages and laundry rooms. Problems often rise during heavy rain or long hot, dry spells.
How do I get rid of camel crickets?
Reduce moisture with ventilation or a dehumidifier, seal gaps around doors, windows, the foundation and vents, and set sticky traps in corners and near doorways. Indoor insecticides are generally not needed.
Where in Delaware
Where camel crickets rank on each county’s top-pest list:
- New Castle County Not in the county top six
- Kent County Not in the county top six
- Sussex County Not in the county top six