If you are searching for a picture of camel crickets because something large, tan, and hump-backed just jumped in your basement, you are in the right place. These insects look strange enough that many homeowners mistake them for spiders, grasshoppers, or even cave crickets. The good news is that once you know what to look for, camel crickets are easy to identify and even easier to target in damp crawl spaces and basements.
What a camel cricket looks like
Camel crickets have a very distinct shape. The body is arched and hump-backed, with long spindly legs that make them look even larger than they are. They do not have wings, and their antennae are extremely long, often as long as the body or longer. Their coloring is usually tan, brown, or mottled brown, which helps them blend into concrete, dirt, cardboard, and wood.
Key features to spot
- Hump-shaped body
- Very long hind legs for jumping
- Long antennae
- No wings
- Tan to brown mottled color
If you are comparing a picture of camel cricket to other bugs, the hunched back and oversized legs are the fastest giveaway. Their head is often tucked downward, which makes the body look even more curved.
How to tell a camel cricket from similar pests
Homeowners confuse camel crickets with house crickets, grasshoppers, and spiders because all of them can show up in dark indoor spaces. The difference is the body shape. House crickets are flatter and have visible wings. Grasshoppers have shorter antennae and a more upright, leafier profile. Spiders have eight legs and no antennae, while camel crickets have six legs and long antennae.
Camel cricket vs house cricket
A house cricket is slimmer, flatter, and easier to recognize by its chirping. Camel crickets do not chirp. They also look more awkward and arched, with thicker back legs and a distinctly spider-like silhouette from above.
Camel cricket vs spider
When people search for a picture of a camel cricket, they often think they have found a spider first. The easiest check is leg count. Camel crickets have six legs and two antennae. Spiders have eight legs and no antennae. The body shape also differs, since camel crickets have one compact insect body with a high back.
Where you will see camel crickets in the home
Camel crickets live where it is dark, damp, and undisturbed. In homes, that means basements, crawl spaces, slab cracks, utility rooms, storage corners, and under porches. They hide in insulation, cardboard boxes, floor drains, and piles of wood or debris. If you see one near a foundation wall or around sump equipment, the space has the moisture they want.
Signs they are active indoors
- Random jumping insects in the basement
- Chewed paper, fabric, or stored items
- Small droppings near hiding spots
- Clusters under boxes, mats, or tarps
One camel cricket can be a stray, but repeated sightings point to a damp harboring area. That is the real problem to fix, not just the insect you see.
How to get rid of camel crickets in basements and crawl spaces
The fastest way to knock down camel crickets is to reduce moisture and use traps in the exact places they hide. Spray alone does not solve the problem if the basement or crawl space stays damp. Start with the environment, then use traps to remove the adults already inside.
- Run a dehumidifier in the basement and keep indoor humidity below 50 percent.
- Fix plumbing leaks, seepage, and standing water right away.
- Seal obvious entry gaps around pipes, sill plates, and foundation cracks with caulk or expanding foam made for pest exclusion.
- Remove cardboard, clutter, and damp storage from the floor.
- Place sticky traps along walls, near water sources, and beside hiding spots.
- Check traps every few days and replace them when dusty or full.
For crawl spaces, add a heavy vapor barrier over exposed soil if the area is open and chronically wet. That step cuts the moisture that camel crickets depend on and makes the space much less attractive.
Best traps and products for camel crickets
Sticky traps are the best product-level tool for camel crickets because they work quietly in dark areas and show you where the insects are coming from. Use flat glue boards along foundation walls, under stairs, near sump pumps, and beside water heaters. In large basements, place several boards 10 to 15 feet apart. For crawl spaces, set traps near entry points and damp corners, not in the middle of open soil.
What to buy
- Large glue boards for basements
- Low-profile sticky traps for tight crawl spaces
- Dehumidifier sized for the square footage
- Caulk and foam for sealing gaps
- Plastic bins with tight lids for storage
Do not rely on scented sprays or foggers as the main fix. They do not remove the moisture problem, and camel crickets will return as soon as conditions stay favorable.
When a camel cricket picture means you need more than DIY
If you keep catching camel crickets after drying out the space and placing traps, the source is still active. That usually means an ongoing water issue, hidden leaks, or heavy moisture under the house. At that point, inspect foundation drainage, crawl space ventilation, and any plumbing lines near the infestation area. If the problem is severe, professional moisture control and exclusion work will outlast repeated insect treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a camel cricket look like in a picture?
It looks like a tan or brown insect with a hunched back, very long legs, and long antennae. The body is arched enough that many people think it looks part spider and part grasshopper.
Why do camel crickets jump at people?
They jump when startled because their long legs are built for quick escape. They are not aggressive, but they react fast when light or movement reaches their hiding spot.
Do camel crickets bite?
No. Camel crickets do not bite people. The real issue is the moisture problem that lets them live in basements, crawl spaces, and other damp parts of the home.
What attracts camel crickets indoors?
Moisture, clutter, and dark hiding places attract them. Damp basements, crawl spaces, stored cardboard, and foundation gaps give them food, shelter, and the humidity they need.