09/18/15

Are Camel Crickets Dangerous?

Are Camel Crickets Dangerous?

9/18/2015

 

They look like something out of a horror film, but camel crickets are far from dangerous to humans. Of course, that doesn’t mean they won’t make a grown man scream like a little girl. These harmless little creatures look like big nasty spiders at a glance, and it can be immediately disconcerting to have a big nasty spider spring at you. That spring doesn’t just scare humans, it is a self-defense mechanism meant to scare all sorts of predators. So, if you’re a big manly guy, it’s okay to be freaked out. It is only natural, but, if you’re given the chance to look at this critter before it springs into action, you’ll notice that it has 6 legs like other insects and not 8 like spiders. That, and its body, definitely looks like a cricket. If it wasn’t for those long spider-looking legs, these creatures probably wouldn’t freak us out quite as bad.

Okay. Crickets aren’t dangerous. But do they bite? Yes. Crickets can bite, but it isn’t painful and it is highly unlikely that they will. They are also not poisonous. So, other than mental anguish, these pests can’t hurt you. The objects in your house are another thing altogether. Camel crickets are the “goats” of the insect kingdom. They are omnivores that chew on all kinds of things in your home. They can destroy curtains, clothing, furniture, plants, and a whole host of other things you have stored in your attic spaces. They are also known to consume insulation. If you have enough camel crickets in your house for a long enough time, they will eventually cost you.

There is also a secret threat that camel crickets cause. These insects–that look like spiders–actually draw spiders into your home because they are food for some spiders. If you have a bunch of tasty crickets crawling around, you’re going to have more of the spiders that eat them.

We have two helpful tips to help take care of your camel cricket problem. But before we get to those, here is a quick fun fact. Actually, two fun facts rolled into one. Do you know that crickets are cold-blooded insects and that their rate of calling can give you an approximate measurement of the temperature? We can’t make this stuff up. If you listen to the chirp of a cricket you can get the degrees in Fahrenheit by counting the number of chirps it makes every 15 seconds and adding 40 to it. (But, unlike other crickets, those camel crickets in your basement don’t make a peep. If you hear chirping, it is likely you have a house cricket in your home.)

The two best ways to keep crickets out of your home is to put a dehumidifier in your basement and keep it well ventilated down there with fans. If you have a dry basement, you’ll have fewer camel crickets (and other creatures) that like dark, cool, moist places.

Remember, if you have pest issues that require the help of a professional – give Schendel Pest Services a call. We have been delivering safe, high-quality service for over 65 years; and have the technology, training, and expertise to handle the pests that bug you.

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Are Camel Crickets Dangerous?