The Camel Cricket 's hump-backed appearance when viewed from the side is where the name originates. They have jumping hind legs and long antennae like other crickets but they are wingless and so are unable to chirp. Color varies by species, ranging from light tan to brown, often having dark brown bands on some segments. Adults range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length. Camel crickets are usually associated with cool, damp, dark habitats. Since they are often found in caves, they are also commonly called cave crickets. Outdoors, they may be found under stones and logs and in other cool, damp habitats with suitable amounts of organic matter, which they use for food.

Like other crickets, camel crickets will invade buildings in the fall seeking suitable places to pass the winter. In these cases, they often remain in basements or crawl spaces and seldom damage items in the home. They are usually considered a nuisance only by virtue of their presence.

Mole Crickets are the most difficult for the Do It Yourself Pest Control Person.

The Mole Cricket is abundant in the southeastern United States, where several species are pests of turf grass. Mole crickets look just like their name implies. They are normally about 1.5 inches long and light brown in color. They have beady eyes and their shovel-like front legs are short, stout, and used for digging. Doing sometimes major damage to lawns and gardens.

Mole crickets live underground, where they tunnel through the soil and feed on plant roots. Unlike other crickets, they are poor jumpers. They are also weak fliers, but they take to the air when their tunnels are flooded. It is during these times that they are found walking across the ground and may enter homes. Once inside we know they look frightening, but most sources say mole crickets are not known to damage anything in the home. A few sources say they might damage some fabrics and other similar items.

Check out our Mole Cricket Management page for tips and help.