Spider crickets, or camel crickets, are the most annoying insects that invade homes frequently, especially with the onset of warmer seasons. Nocturnal insects prefer staying in dark, damp places; thus, places like basements, crawl spaces, and garages are the most suitable habitat for such species. Though they don’t cause any real health hazards, their presence is disturbing and capable of damaging fabrics and other things stored. To effectively control and eliminate how to get rid of spider crickets, the article will provide comprehensive information such as understanding their behavior, preventive measures, and effective removal strategies.
What Are Spider Crickets?
Spider crickets are members of the family Rhaphidophoridae. They have extended long legs and are humped-backed, with no wings on their abdomen. Compared to other crickets, they prefer dark, moist environments that also serve as the natural habitats of caves and dense vegetation. The adult ones go about 1 to 2 inches in length, with a brownish or grayish coloring, and its appearance makes it a cross between a cricket and a spider. This appearance fits very well into the environment around them, rendering them even less detectable.
These insects are typically nocturnal and are mostly noticed during nightfall as they venture out foraging outside their vicinity. Spider crickets are omnivorous; they feed on various organic materials, including fabrics, paper, and other insects. It may cause damage to dwellings within areas where fabrics and cardboard are stored.
Statistics on Spider Crickets
According to pest control experts, spider crickets are relatively more frequent in wetter weather, and sightings are not rare in states like Florida and Louisiana, where humidity levels exceed 70%.
A survey by the National Pest Management Association revealed that 26 percent of homeowners reported that their residences were infested with spider crickets sometime during the summer.
Why Spider Crickets Invade Homes
There are several reasons why spider crickets invade homes, the first and foremost being in search of moisture, food, and shelter. Understanding this can help the homeowner take preventive measures to prevent these pests from staying in their houses.
Moisture Attraction
One of the primary reasons spider crickets enter a house is the existence of moisture. The creature thrives in humid environments, so a moist house with high humidity forms an ideal habitat. Moist sources that exist in most houses include:
- Leaky pipes
- Damp basements
- Poor Ventilation in Bathrooms
- High Moisture Level in Crawl Spaces
Food Sources
Spider crickets are highly consumption-eating animals that feed on organic materials such as fabrics and cardboard. Dark, damp areas are where the spider cricket finds food. Any home with many packaged materials, especially in dark and moist places, is a good place to feed spider crickets.
Dark Surroundings
Spider crickets tend to thrive in dark areas, which enables them to evade their predators. They might be found within a basement, attic, crawl space, behind furniture and cluttered house parts.
Temperature Control
Spider crickets usually seek refuge indoors during the hot summer to avoid hot conditions. Houses that are cool, dark and damp attract this pest.
Evidence of Spider Cricket Infestation
Spider crickets may be identified early when the spiders have recently been infested, which is crucial in effectively managing this pest. Here are some of the telling signs to look out for:
Visible Sightings
The most obvious sign that spider crickets can invade your home is when you see them. They usually stay in dark, damp places, mainly jumping away when they perceive a threat.
Damage to Fabrics and Paper
This type of cricket causes much damage to stored materials. Spiders and crickets are present if holes are found in fabrics, cardboard boxes, or paper products.
Droppings
The droppings of spider crickets resemble black pepper, and they are very small and dark. Identifying these droppings in a place usually infested with spiders and crickets is a sure indication of an infestation.
Bad Odors
Many spider crickets produce an awful smell, especially if they are nesting in your house. The smell is musty.
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How to Get Rid of Spider Crickets
Management of Spider crickets involves prevention as well as elimination. The following are ten guaranteed ways by which you can get rid of spider crickets at home:
Establish Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are simple but effective for catching spider crickets. A sticky trap functions by using a glue-like substance wherein the insect it will walk over into will get stuck. Here’s how to use sticky traps well:
- Place traps in dark corners, along walls, and near suspected entry points.
- Check the traps regularly and replace them when they become dirty or full.
- Make use of a bait to attract spider crickets toward the traps.
Seal Cracks and Entry Points
Holes and cracks in the walls can be how spider crickets sneak into your house. Seal all those entry points to prevent the new crickets from coming inside. Proceed as follows:
- Check for gaps or cracks in windows, doors, and foundations.
- Seal gaps and cracks with caulk or weather stripping.
- Install a door sweep to ensure the door does not let the crickets come in underneath the door.
Reduce Moisture Sources
Because spider crickets are attracted to moisture, reducing the humidity in your home is a must. Here is how to do it:
- Fix any leak in the piping or roof which could collect water.
- Use a dehumidifier in wet areas such as basements and crawl spaces.
- Make sure that bathrooms and kitchens are well-ventilated to decrease the moisture.
Thorough Cleaning
Preventing spider cricket infestation can be achieved by keeping your home clean. Routine cleaning removes possible hiding places and feeding sites. Here’s how to keep your home clean:
- Regularly vacuum all dust, debris, and possible food sources.
- Be free from a place full of clutter, which is their hideout; this includes basements and attics.
- Old cardboard boxes or any item you do not need anymore should be disposed of.
Install a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier regulates humidity levels in a building, making the environment unattractive for spider crickets. Your options include the following:
- Select a dehumidifier appropriate to the size of the area.
- Adjust the humidity below 50% of the total possible, according to your needs.
- Descale and drain the dehumidifier regularly.
Natural Repellents
Some natural materials can repel spider crickets and keep them away. Some of the few such options are as follows:
- Essential oils: The peppermint and eucalyptus oils repel spider crickets; mix a few drops with water in the spray bottle and apply directly to areas of cricket presence.
- Diatomaceous Earth: It is a natural powder that can be spread in areas where the spider crickets are. When it comes into contact with them, it dries off the insects.
Other Chemical Interventions
All the above interventions may not drive away spider crickets. It is at this point that chemicals may be necessary. Sprays containing insecticides are usually very effective for regulating spider crickets. Here are some considerations,
Types of Insecticides
- Only insecticides that target spider crickets should be purchased.
- The application should be applied correctly and with the manufacturer’s advice.
- Targeted applications in places with intensive infestation may be considered.
Professional Exterminator Services
If you have a more serious or recurring case of spider crickets, then this is where you call for a professional exterminator. Most exterminators provide effective professional solutions against spider crickets, but here’s when you should call for skilled help:
- You have a large number of spider crickets in your house.
- DIY methods haven’t worked to control the infestation.
- Your health has conditions such as asthma or other health issues that the presence of crickets will trigger.
Monitor and Maintain
After you have started to take measures to prevent spider crickets, you should also follow a schedule of monitoring and maintaining measures to prevent them from occurring again. Routine checks will alert you quickly to any new infestations. Consider the following:
- Keep an eye on the spider crickets by placing sticky traps around your home.
- Check regularly around the potential problem areas, including basements and crawl spaces.
- Keep the humidity level low through regular house cleaning.
Educate Yourself
Understanding the behavior of the spider crickets can aid you in controlling and preventing an infestation. Learn more about their life cycle, feeding habits, and preferred environment. Knowledge is power, enabling you to take precautions against these pests.
When to Hire a Professional Pest Control
Some cases call for professional pest control, especially after following DIYs when dealing with spider cricricket infestations. What are instances when hiring a professional exterminator is advisable:
Heavy Infestations
You will require professional exterminator services when there’s a mass population of spider crickets in your house. The exterminator will know the correct size of the infestation and take the necessary targeted treatments to dispose of them.
Inevitable Re-Creatures
If spider crickets keep appearing back in your house despite all your efforts, it means there are probably hidden entry points or underlying problems. All professional exterminators have all the skills to determine and correct such issues effectively.
Health Issues
Although spider crickets have not been classified as lethal pests, they can cause asthma and allergies in sensitive people. If this kind of pest is behind your family member’s health problems, addressing them with an expert would be necessary.
Ineffective measures alone to eliminate a house with spider crickets entail a combination of preventive measures and effective removal techniques. Knowing the behavior of these crickets can guarantee that reducing moisture levels in a house, sealing entry points, and keeping a clean house could reduce infestation chances to a very low level. However, it is advisable to employ a professional in extreme cases where infestation is severe and persistent. All these methods will ensure that your home becomes spider cricket-free, creating a better environment in which to reside.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spider Cricket Infestation
Should I Use Chemicals to Control Spider Crickets?
Chemicals are an efficient means of eliminating spider crickets, especially for serious infestation cases. Just make sure you follow the instructions and advice indicated by the manufacturer and consider the safety measures in place, especially if you have pets or children around the house.
Do Spider Crickets Carry Diseases?
Spider crickets are not reportedly carriers of diseases that would adversely affect humans. However, their feces can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
How Long Do Spider Crickets Live?
The typical lifespan of a spider cricket is one to two years, though this period can vary according to the prevailing conditions and availability of food and moisture.
Can Spider Crickets Reproduce Indoors?
Yes, spider crickets will breed indoors if the conditions are right: in humidities and if there is an adequate food supply. Preventive measures must be taken to prevent a breeding population.
What Time of Year Are Spider Crickets Most Active?
Spider crickets are most active during the warm months when cooler temperatures coincide with late summer or early fall. They may seek shelter indoors to escape the rising temperatures.
Are Spider Crickets a Dirty House?
Spider crickets love messy and damp environments, but that does not mean your house is dirty if you have these crickets. A clean and dry house will keep spider crickets away from infesting it.
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