Camel crickets are the humpbacked, long-legged jumpers that turn up in Dallas garages, crawl spaces, and utility rooms once the weather cools. Many people call them spider crickets, because at a glance they look like a large spider. However, they are a different insect from the chirping field crickets that swarm porch lights in fall, and they call for a different fix.
How to Identify Camel Crickets
These insects are easy to recognize once you know what to look for:
- Humped back: the body curves upward, which is where the name comes from.
- No wings and no chirp: unlike field crickets, they are silent.
- Very long legs and antennae: the antennae are often longer than the body.
- Tan to brown color: usually with darker bands or mottling.
- A startling jump: when disturbed, they tend to leap toward you rather than away.
If the insect you are seeing is black, has wings, and sings at night, read our guide to crickets in the house instead. And if you are not sure it is an insect at all, our post on common spiders in Dallas homes can help you rule those out.
Why They Pick Your Garage
Moisture is the main reason. These crickets need damp, dark, cool places, so outdoors they live under mulch, stones, woodpiles, and leaf litter. When the yard dries out or the nights turn cold, they move toward the nearest humid shelter. In North Texas homes, that usually means:
- Garages, especially near the water heater or a leaky hose bib
- Crawl spaces under pier-and-beam houses
- Laundry rooms, utility closets, and bathrooms
- Storage sheds and cluttered corners with cardboard boxes
Are They Harmful?
Mostly, they are a nuisance. They do not sting, they carry no venom, and they are not known to spread disease to people. In large numbers, though, they can chew on stored fabric, cardboard, and paper, and they leave dark droppings on walls and floors. In addition, a steady supply of crickets can attract the spiders and other predators that feed on them.
How to Get Rid of Them
Because moisture draws them in, drying the space out matters more than spraying. Start with these steps:
- Fix dripping faucets, sweating pipes, and water heater leaks.
- Run a dehumidifier or a fan in damp rooms.
- Replace worn garage door seals and add door sweeps.
- Seal gaps around pipes and vents with caulk or foam.
- Move woodpiles, mulch, and leaf litter away from the foundation.
- Swap cardboard boxes for plastic bins, and keep them off the floor.
- Set sticky traps along walls to catch stragglers and track activity.
When to Call a Professional
A few of these insects in the garage is normal in fall. On the other hand, dozens of them, or new ones appearing every week, usually point to a moisture problem or an entry gap you have not found yet. HK Pest Control Services is licensed and insured in Texas (TPCL #13923) and serves Dallas, Richardson, and Plano. We can inspect the garage, crawl space, and foundation, treat the areas where they hide, and show you what is letting them in.
Tired of camel crickets jumping at you every time you open the garage? Call 469-618-9991 for a free quote, backed by our guarantee.
