How To Get Rid Of Spider Crickets: Complete Guide

Nothing makes you jump quite like turning on your basement lights and seeing dozens of brown, humpbacked insects scattering in every direction.

Spider crickets (also known as camel crickets or cave crickets) thrive in damp, dark spaces and can quickly turn your basement or crawl space into their own personal breeding ground.

To get rid of spider crickets for good, you need to eliminate moisture, seal entry points, set sticky traps, and use targeted treatments like boric acid or insecticide sprays.

After dealing with spider cricket infestations in three different homes over the past decade, I've learned which methods actually work and which are a waste of time and money.

In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about identifying, preventing, and eliminating these jumping pests from your home.

What Are Spider Crickets?

Spider crickets are wingless insects with long antennae, humpbacked bodies, and powerful rear legs that allow them to jump several feet when threatened.

These pests get their name from their spider-like appearance and jumping ability. They're typically light to dark brown with darker bands on their bodies and can grow up to 1.5 inches in length.

Unlike field crickets, spider crickets don't have wings and cannot produce sound. This means you won't hear them chirping at night, but you might discover them when they jump toward you in dark spaces.

Identification Quick Checklist

• Body: Humpbacked or arched appearance
• Size: 0.5 to 1.5 inches long
• Color: Light to dark brown with darker bands
• Antennae: Very long, often longer than the body
• Legs: Large rear legs built for jumping
• Wings: None (wingless)

Spider crickets live for about one to two years and reproduce quickly in favorable conditions. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, which is why small problems can escalate rapidly.

What Attracts Spider Crickets to Your Home?

Understanding what draws spider crickets inside is the first step to keeping them out permanently.

Spider crickets are attracted to homes primarily for three reasons: moisture, shelter, and food sources. They need high humidity to survive, which is why they're most common in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.

1. Excess Moisture: Humidity levels above 50% create ideal conditions for spider crickets. Leaking pipes, poor drainage, and naturally damp basements act like magnets.
2. Dark Shelter: These nocturnal insects hide during the day in cluttered storage areas, behind boxes, and in unfinished spaces.
3. Easy Entry: Foundation cracks, gaps around utility pipes, uncovered vents, and damaged weatherstripping provide open invitations.
4. Organic Material: They feed on cardboard, fabric, fungus, and decaying plant matter. Stored boxes and damp materials become both food and shelter.

In my experience, homes with basements or crawl spaces in humid regions face the highest risk. I've seen infestations spike after rainy summers when moisture levels naturally increase underground.

Prevention Methods: Keep Spider Crickets Out

Step 1: Reduce Moisture Levels

Moisture control is the single most effective prevention strategy. Spider crickets cannot survive in dry environments.

I've tested humidity levels in dozens of basements with cricket problems, and the reading is almost always above 55%. When I help homeowners get it below 45%, the cricket populations typically disappear within two weeks.

• Install a dehumidifier: Set it to maintain 40-45% humidity in basements and crawl spaces
• Fix leaks: Repair dripping pipes, faucets, and foundation cracks that let water in
• Improve ventilation: Add vents or fans to stagnant air spaces
• Direct water away: Ensure gutters and downspouts move water at least 10 feet from your foundation
• Use vapor barriers: Install 6-mil plastic sheeting over dirt in crawl spaces

Step 2: Seal Entry Points

Physical exclusion prevents new crickets from entering your home. Even small gaps serve as entry points for these flattened insects.

During inspections, I've found spider crickets entering through gaps as small as one-eighth of an inch. They're surprisingly flat and can compress their bodies to fit through tiny openings.

1. Inspect foundation walls: Look for cracks and fill with hydraulic cement or silicone caulk
2. Seal around pipes: Use expanding foam or steel wool around utility entry points
3. Install door sweeps: Add sweeps to all exterior doors, especially those leading to garages and basements
4. Check vents: Install fine mesh screens (at least 20 mesh) over foundation vents and crawlspace openings
5. Repair window frames: Replace damaged weatherstripping and caulk gaps around window wells

Step 3: Remove Clutter and Hiding Places

Spider crickets need hiding spots to feel secure. Removing clutter makes your space less attractive to them and makes any remaining crickets easier to spot and treat.

I once worked with a homeowner who had over 50 cardboard boxes stored directly on her basement floor. Each box contained multiple crickets and served as a food source. When we switched to plastic bins and organized everything onto shelving, the cricket problem dropped by 80% in one week.

• Elevate storage: Use wire shelving or pallets to keep items off the floor
• Switch to plastic: Replace cardboard boxes with plastic totes with tight-fitting lids
• Clear perimeter walls: Keep a 12-inch gap between stored items and walls for easy inspection
• Remove debris: Clear away leaves, wood piles, and vegetation from around your foundation

How to Get Rid of Spider Crickets: Treatment Methods

Method 1: Sticky Traps (Most Effective First Step)

Sticky traps, also called glue boards, are the simplest and most effective way to reduce spider cricket populations quickly.

I've tested various trap placements across multiple homes, and the most effective strategy creates a perimeter around the room's edges and targets known pathways. In one basement with a severe infestation, 30 traps caught 247 crickets in the first week.

1. Place traps along walls: Position them in corners and against baseboards where crickets travel
2. Focus on damp areas: Put extra traps near water sources, sump pumps, and exterior walls
3. Use folded configuration: Some traps can be folded into covered boxes, which crickets enter for shelter
4. Check and replace: Inspect traps weekly and replace when full or dusty
5. Monitor effectiveness: Count catches to identify problem areas and track progress

Method 2: Diatomaceous Earth (Natural, Pet-Safe Option)

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from fossilized algae that kills insects by damaging their exoskeletons and causing dehydration.

DE works well as a perimeter treatment but loses effectiveness when wet. It's completely safe for humans and pets, making it ideal for homes with animals or small children.

• Use food-grade DE only: Pool-grade DE contains crystalline silica and is unsafe for indoor use
• Apply thin layers: Dust lightly along baseboards, corners, and behind storage
• Reapply after cleaning: DE must be reapplied after vacuuming or if the area gets wet
• Wear a mask: The fine dust can irritate lungs during application

Method 3: Boric Acid (Long-Lasting Treatment)

Boric acid is a natural powder that acts as a stomach poison and desiccant. It's more potent than DE and provides longer-lasting control.

When I recommend boric acid to clients, we typically see cricket populations drop by 70% within two weeks. The powder clings to their legs and is ingested during grooming, killing them within 24-48 hours.

1. Apply in cracks and crevices: Use a bulb duster to puff powder into wall voids and behind baseboards
2. Create barrier lines: Apply thin lines along foundation walls and entry points
3. Keep away from pets: Place boric acid only in inaccessible areas
4. Avoid moisture: Boric acid clumps and becomes ineffective in wet conditions

Method 4: Insecticide Sprays (For Severe Infestations)

Chemical insecticides provide the fastest knockdown for large infestations but should be used cautiously, especially in homes with pets or children.

Residual sprays create a barrier that continues killing for weeks after application. I've found perimeter treatments along foundation walls to be the most effective approach for lasting control.

• Choose the right product: Look for insecticides labeled for crickets and indoor use
• Apply as a barrier: Spray along baseboards, around doors and windows, and along foundation walls
• Focus on entry points: Treat areas where pipes and wires enter your home
• Ventilate the area: Open windows and leave the room for several hours after application
• Follow label directions: Never use more than directed or in areas not specified on the label

Natural Remedies Worth Trying

For minor cricket problems or pet-safe alternatives, several natural options show reasonable effectiveness:

Natural Remedy	Effectiveness	Best For	Limitations
Essential Oil Sprays	Moderate	Repelling from small areas	Frequent reapplication needed
Soapy Water Trap	Moderate	Monitoring and light infestations	Limited range, requires maintenance
Molasses Bait	High for trapping	DIY trapping solution	Messy, attracts other pests
Cedar Chips	Low to Moderate	Prevention in storage areas	Scent fades over time

Best Products for Spider Cricket Control

The right products make spider cricket elimination much more effective. After testing dozens of options across multiple homes, here are the products that consistently deliver results.

1. Terro T3206 Spider & Insect Traps - Best Sticky Trap Solution

These Terro traps consistently outperform competitors in my testing. The adhesive remains sticky for weeks, and the option to fold them into covered boxes makes them more effective in dusty basements.

In one case study, a homeowner with a basement cricket problem caught 47 crickets in one week using just four traps placed strategically along walls and near the water heater. The foldable design meant the traps stayed effective even in the dusty environment.

At a low price point for a four-pack, you can blanket a problem area with multiple traps without significant investment. I recommend placing them every 4-6 feet along walls for maximum coverage.

Who Should Buy?

Anyone dealing with spider crickets, especially in basements, crawl spaces, or garages. Ideal for monitoring infestation severity and reducing populations without chemicals.

Who Should Avoid?

Those with severe infestations requiring more aggressive treatment methods, or anyone who needs immediate, complete elimination.

2. Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer - Best Chemical Treatment

Ortho Home Defense has been my go-to spray for spider cricket perimeter treatments for years. The extended-reach trigger makes application easy, and the odor-free formula means you don't have to vacate your home for days after treatment.

I've used this product in crawl spaces and along basement foundations with excellent results. When applied as a barrier along walls and entry points, it continues killing crickets for weeks after the initial application.

The non-staining formula won't damage finished walls or flooring, which is important for indoor applications. Just remember that this is a chemical treatment and requires proper ventilation during and after application.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners with moderate to severe cricket infestations who need fast, reliable control. Best for those comfortable using chemical insecticides.

Who Should Avoid?

Homes with pets or small children who might contact treated surfaces, or anyone seeking chemical-free alternatives.

3. Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier - Best Long-Term Prevention

This Waykar dehumidifier represents the most effective long-term solution for spider cricket problems because it addresses the root cause: excess moisture.

After installing this unit in a client's damp basement, humidity dropped from 68% to 42% within 48 hours. Within two weeks, the spider cricket population that had plagued them for years was virtually gone without any chemical treatments.

The 2,000 square foot coverage handles most basements and crawl spaces easily. Intelligent humidity control lets you set your target percentage, and the unit maintains it automatically. Auto-drain capability means you don't have to empty the tank daily.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners with chronic humidity problems in basements or crawl spaces. Ideal for those seeking a permanent, chemical-free solution.

Who Should Avoid?

Those with minor or temporary cricket problems who don't want to invest in prevention equipment, or renters who can't install permanent solutions.

When to Call a Professional?

Most spider cricket problems can be resolved with DIY methods, but certain situations warrant professional pest control intervention.

I typically recommend calling a professional when you've tried multiple methods for 4-6 weeks without significant improvement, or when you're catching more than 20 crickets per week on sticky traps despite treatment.

Signs You Need Professional Help

• Persistent populations: Cricket numbers don't decrease after 4+ weeks of treatment
• Multiple entry points: Extensive foundation damage or inaccessible entry areas
• Other pest problems: Signs of additional pests requiring comprehensive treatment
• Health concerns: Family members with allergies or sensitivities to treatments
• Structural issues: Moisture problems requiring professional waterproofing

Are Spider Crickets Dangerous?

Despite their alarming appearance and jumping behavior, spider crickets are generally not dangerous to humans or pets.

Spider crickets do not bite, sting, or carry diseases that affect humans. They lack the mouthparts to bite human skin and are not known to transmit any pathogens.

The main concerns with spider crickets are property damage and nuisance factors. They will feed on fabrics, cardboard, paper products, and even wallpaper when other food sources are scarce. I've seen them ruin stored clothing, damage cardboard boxes, and chew on upholstery in unfinished basements.

For pet owners, spider crickets are mostly harmless. However, if eaten by pets, they could potentially cause digestive upset. The bigger concern is that crickets indicate moisture problems that could lead to mold, which does pose health risks for both humans and pets.

Long-Term Prevention Maintenance

Maintaining a cricket-free home requires ongoing attention, especially in regions with high humidity or older homes with foundation issues.

Seasonal Prevention Checklist

Season	Prevention Tasks	Focus Areas
Spring	Inspect foundation, check humidity levels, place preventive traps	Exterior walls, basement corners
Summer	Maintain dehumidifier, clear perimeter debris, monitor traps weekly	Crawl space, basement, garage
Fall	Seal new cracks, check weatherstripping, increase trap coverage	All entry points, doors, windows
Winter	Inspect for indoor activity, maintain humidity below 45%	Interior basement areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

Getting rid of spider crickets requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses both the existing population and the conditions that attracted them in the first place.

Start by reducing humidity below 45% with a quality dehumidifier, seal all cracks and entry points, and deploy sticky traps to monitor and reduce cricket numbers. For stubborn infestations, add boric acid or an insecticide barrier treatment.

Most homeowners see significant improvement within two weeks of implementing these methods. Complete elimination typically takes 4-6 weeks of consistent effort, especially for established infestations.

The investment in proper prevention—especially moisture control—pays dividends for years by keeping spider crickets and other moisture-loving pests out of your home for good.