Origin:
Many species are native to North America.
Biology:
Camel crickets are commonly found in natural settings and landscape under boards, logs, or rocks on the soil. They are nocturnal and only seen when disturbed, and generally occur in such low numbers that they cause no damage and do not require eradication. Occasionally one or two may find their way indoors and due to a nuisance factor can be removed with a vacuum. Some larger species have been found occupying darkened, damp crawl spaces, where again they cause no problems. They feed on plant materials, but may chew on paper inside a structure out of desperation to find food.
Identification:
These crickets range in size from less than 1 inch in length to some very large species with body lengths over 2 inches. They also have extremely long, thin antennae and very long hind legs, and are able to jump a considerable distance. Color is usually brown to dark brown. The thorax is distinctly “humped”, or enlarged dorsally and they have no wings.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
No control is needed when found in landscapes or other outdoor areas. When the occasional cricket enters a home a vacuum is a responsible choice for removing it.
