CAVE
CRICKETS

Cave crickets, also known as camel crickets or spider crickets, are a common nuisance in New Jersey. They tend to live in damp, dark areas like basements and crawl spaces. They often enter homes in late summer and fall as they seek shelter. Their presence can be frightening, as they are often found in large numbers.

Cave crickets have a humpbacked appearance, long legs, and antennae.  They are wingless and up to 1.5 inches long.  They jump when threatened, which often startles homeowners. Unlike field crickets, they do not chirp.

Cave crickets are common in New Jersey but manageable. Keeping your home dry, sealed, and clutter-free is the best way to prevent them. If you’re still having problems, contact the professionals at Bustabug Pest Control. You can count on our team to treat your home as if it were our own. We’ll also protect it from unwanted pest infestations. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.

Issues With Cave Crickets

Cave crickets are mostly harmless to humans. They don’t bite or sting. They don’t carry known diseases. They also do not damage structures like termites or rodents. However, cave crickets can cause some concerns, such as the following:

• Property damage. Cave crickets chew on fabric, cardboard, wood, and insulation—especially when food is scarce. They may damage stored clothing, boxes, furniture, and wallpaper glue in basements or garages.
• Nuisance infestations. Cave crickets often appear in large numbers, which can be frightening. Their sudden jumping when disturbed can alarm people, especially in dark spaces. They’re difficult to catch or kill because of their strong legs and erratic movements.
• Unsanitary conditions. While not known to spread disease, large infestations can lead to accumulated droppings, unpleasant odors, and potential contamination of stored food or belongings in rarely cleaned areas.

The presence of cave crickets may signal bigger problems. Cave crickets thrive in high-moisture environments, so they tend to live in areas with excess humidity, poor drainage or ventilation, and plumbing leaks.

Preventing Cave Crickets

Keep cave crickets out of your home with these tips:

• Reduce moisture. Fix leaky pipes or poor drainage. Use dehumidifiers in basements and other humid areas.
• Seal entry points. Caulk gaps around doors, windows, foundation cracks, and utility lines. Install tight-fitting door sweeps.
• Declutter and clean. Remove cardboard boxes and stacks of paper where they can hide. Store items in plastic bins with lids.
• Improve lighting and airflow. Light and air circulation make spaces less attractive to cave crickets. 

Contact Us Today

Cave crickets are not dangerous to people, but they can chew on cardboard and fabrics and scare people with their erratic jumping.Cave crickets can cause a lot of drama in your house. Get peace of mind with help from the professionals at Bustabug Pest Control. When you need pest control in Sussex County or Morris County, we’ve got your back. Contact us today to schedule an inspection. Give us a call at (201) 347-5943, email bustabugpestcontrol@gmail.com, or fill out the online form.