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Many people call these pests camelback spiders while others know them as spider crickets. Regardless of the name, they are actually the same creature and have become a common annoyance in New Jersey homes. Spider crickets only live 1-2 years, but they can produce around 200 offspring during their lifetime.
All About Camelbacks aka Spider Crickets
Camelback spiders aka spider crickets are technically known as the Rhaphidophoridae, and their name is just as terrifying as their appearance. Their name derives from their exterior, which is like the humpbacked of a camel. You might see them in your home, especially if you have a garage, basement, or another area where moisture accumulates.
In New Jersey, spider crickets have become a common pest. People fear them because they look dangerous. You will see them in color variations from light to dark brown, and they range in size from 13 to 33 mm. They’ve acquired the nickname “Sprickets” because there are so many names that they can be called.
Something that might amaze you is that spider, or camelback, crickets are neither spider nor cricket, but they will hop around your home. They don’t have wings or inner ears like the cricket, but they have lovely long legs in the back that help them jump great distances. They look more like a spider, but this is a bug in a league of their own.
Spider crickets are not biters, as their mouth was made for chewing their food. However, they can nibble a bit to see if your skin is edible. While it will hurt, they aren’t really known for attacking humans like other spiders. Their gentle nature is more like the cricket than the creepy arachnid.
If you’re wondering why New Jersey residents seem to have more of an issue with spider crickets than other parts of the country, it’s due to the humid locations of the east coast. Spider crickets tend to stay east of the Mississippi River for some strange reason. Alarmingly, scientists have discovered around 700 million spider crickets in this country, and the variations are vast.
The Lifecycle of Spider Crickets
Source: Washington State University
Oddly enough, spider crickets don’t mate in the traditional way. Rather, when a male sees a female spider he likes, he lays his sperm on the ground. Then, once he has it in position, he will inject it into her body.
The lifespan of the spider cricket is short, as they only live about 1-2 years. However, during that time, they can produce around 200 offspring. Another interesting fact is that the female may attack the male during the mating ritual, but this isn’t as common as it is in other spiders. The male is almost always smaller than the female, which gives her a leg up should she choose to attack.
Identifying Spider Crickets in Your Home
Since spider crickets can move fast, it might be difficult for you to detect what pest you’re dealing with initially. You might think you have a cricket when you see them hopping about, but you’ll soon realize that it’s no cricket as they’re mute.
The good news is that these spider crickets are not messy and won’t leave large disasters within your home. They don’t pose any health hazards like cockroaches, and they won’t cause structural damage, like the termite. Still, the larger they grow in number, the more of an issue you’re going to have with them.
Preventing Spider Cricket Problems
You may want to take some preventative measures to get rid of spider crickets before calling for professional help. They will feed on fungi, wood, cardboard, fabrics, and some houseplants. So, if you have any of this matter lying around, it’s best to get rid of it to remove any food sources.
Since spider crickets love damp areas, you might want to install a dehumidifier to keep moisture at bay. Also, notate any cracks around your windows and doors in lower levels that can be a potential entry point. Some folks use glue traps meant for mice, as these large spiders get stuck and can’t get off them. However, these are just some strategies, but they won’t help you in an infestation.
One excellent method is to use a small bowl of soapy water. Since these spider or camelback crickets are attracted to moisture, they will go inside the bowl for a drink and drown.
Some folks use fumigators or bug bombs, but these come with harmful pesticides and require you to leave home for an extended period. It’s an option but not the best way to get rid of spider crickets, especially if you need to relocate animals and kids for a while.
Calling In Professional Help
If you’ve tried some DIY methods and still see an issue with spider crickets, it’s time for a professional evaluation from one of our Kapture experts. Many people think that exterminators just come to kill the pests, while that’s part of the job, educating the customer is another significant part. You need to know all about the spider crickets you’re dealing with to treat them effectively.
A Kapture Pest Control professional can quickly identify entry points and possible attractions and give you tips on making your home less desirable to anything unwelcome. Rather than dealing with spider crickets and other pests yourself, it’s often best and more cost-effective to call for help initially.
While spider crickets aren’t dangerous, no one wants them inside their home. They can hop into bed with you or get into your food sources by accident, which is alarming. The greater the number, the more challenging it is to get rid of spider crickets. So do yourself a favor and let Kapture Pest Control handle the job of eradicating these spider crickets.