Crickets in the Basement
Cave crickets may gather along basement walls, beneath stairs, behind stored items and near floor drains.
Cave Cricket Inspection & Treatment
Cave Cricket Control in Northern New Jersey
Cave crickets commonly invade basements, crawlspaces, garages and other cool, damp areas. Howey Pest Solutions provides professional cave cricket inspections and targeted treatments for homes and businesses throughout Northern New Jersey.
Family Owned
Locally operated in Northern NJ
Licensed & Insured
Professional pest management
155+ Five-Star Reviews
Trusted by local homeowners
30-Day Guarantee
On qualifying one-time treatments
Professional Cave Cricket Control
Cave Crickets Are Attracted to Cool, Dark and Damp Areas
Cave crickets are also commonly called camel crickets or spider crickets. They have long legs, a humpbacked appearance and no wings. Although they do not normally bite or sting, they can become a major nuisance when large numbers gather inside a building.
These insects are commonly found in basements, crawlspaces, garages, sheds and utility areas where moisture and darkness provide favorable conditions. Controlling the current population and addressing moisture are both important parts of long-term control.
Do They Jump Toward You?
Cave crickets may appear to jump directly toward people when disturbed. They are not attacking. Their jumping direction is unpredictable, especially in dark or confined spaces.
Cave Cricket Warning Signs
Signs You May Have a Cave Cricket Problem
Cave crickets often remain hidden during the day and become more active when the area is dark and quiet.
Sudden Jumping
Long-legged crickets may jump unpredictably when lights are switched on or when stored belongings are moved.
Damp Interior Areas
Activity may be concentrated around crawlspaces, sump pumps, utility rooms and other areas with elevated moisture.
Damage to Stored Materials
Large populations may feed on cardboard, paper, fabric, fungi, plant material and other organic debris.
Garage or Shed Activity
Cave crickets may gather beneath equipment, boxes, shelving and stored materials inside detached structures.
Repeated Seasonal Activity
Crickets returning each year may indicate ongoing moisture, exterior harborage or unsealed entry points.
Our Treatment Approach
Targeted Treatment for Interior and Exterior Activity
We inspect the property to determine where cave crickets are entering, hiding and reproducing. Treatment is focused on active areas rather than simply spraying open floor space.
- Interior and exterior inspection
- Identification of damp hiding areas
- Targeted crack-and-crevice treatment
- Treatment around basement and crawlspace perimeters
- Exterior foundation treatment when appropriate
- Glue-monitor installation when needed
- Moisture and entry-point recommendations
1
Inspect the Property
We inspect basements, crawlspaces, garages and accessible exterior areas for cricket activity and favorable conditions.
2
Identify Hiding Areas
We look beneath storage, around plumbing, near foundation walls and in other dark and humid locations.
3
Apply Targeted Treatment
Treatment is applied to cracks, crevices, perimeter areas, entry points and other locations where crickets are active.
4
Address Contributing Conditions
We explain moisture, clutter and exterior conditions that may need attention to reduce future cricket activity.
Where Cave Crickets Hide
Common Activity Areas Around Homes and Businesses
Cave crickets favor protected locations with darkness, moisture and access to organic materials.
Basements
Crickets may hide behind stored items, beneath stairs, near walls
and around floor drains or utility areas.
Crawlspaces
Damp soil, insulation, plumbing and limited ventilation can create
favorable cave cricket habitat.
Garages
Cave crickets may enter beneath garage doors and hide behind boxes,
equipment and stored materials.
Sheds and Outbuildings
Dark and undisturbed storage areas often provide shelter close to
exterior populations.
Under Decks and Porches
Shaded soil, leaves, wood and retained moisture may support outdoor
populations near the foundation.
Wood and Leaf Piles
Damp leaves, stacked lumber, firewood and organic debris may
provide exterior hiding areas.
MOISTURE
CONTROL Supports Long-Term Results
CONTROL Supports Long-Term Results
An Important Part of Control
Reducing Humidity Can Make the Area Less Favorable
Treatment can reduce the current cave cricket population, but consistently damp conditions may allow new activity to develop. Basements and crawlspaces with high humidity are especially attractive to these insects.
Dehumidifiers, improved ventilation, corrected drainage and plumbing repairs may help reduce moisture and support longer-term control.
Cave Cricket Prevention
Ways to Reduce Cave Cricket Activity
Reducing moisture, hiding areas and exterior access can make the property less attractive to cave crickets.
Use a Dehumidifier
Reducing basement or crawlspace humidity can make the area less
suitable for cave crickets.
Repair Water Leaks
Fix plumbing leaks, foundation seepage and other sources of
persistent interior moisture.
Improve Exterior Drainage
Direct gutters and downspouts away from the foundation and correct
areas where water collects.
Seal Exterior Openings
Seal gaps around doors, windows, utility lines, vents, siding and
foundation cracks.
Reduce Storage Clutter
Organize basements, garages and crawlspaces to eliminate protected
hiding areas.
Remove Exterior Debris
Keep leaves, wood, cardboard and other damp organic materials away
from the foundation.
Ongoing Pest Protection
Cave Cricket Control Is Included in Our Home Defense Plans
Qualifying Home Defense Plans include cave cricket treatment and service calls between scheduled visits for covered activity. Full-service plans allow interior treatment when needed.
Compare Home Defense Plans
Available Plan Options
- Home Defense Lite
- Home Defense
- Home Defense Plus
- Home Defense Premium
- Exterior and full-service options available
Local Cave Cricket Control
Serving Homes and Businesses Across Northern New Jersey
Howey Pest Solutions provides cave cricket inspections and treatments throughout Sussex County, Morris County, Warren County and parts of Passaic County.
Hamburg
Sparta
Newton
Vernon
Hardyston
Franklin
Lafayette
Wantage
Andover
Hopatcong
Byram
Stanhope
Randolph
Rockaway
Denville
Jefferson
Boonton
Kinnelon
Hackettstown
Blairstown
West Milford
Ringwood
Questions & Answers
Cave Cricket Control Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cave cricket?
Cave crickets are humpbacked, long-legged insects commonly found in basements, crawlspaces, garages and other dark, damp areas. They are also called camel crickets or spider crickets.
Do cave crickets bite or sting?
Cave crickets do not normally bite or sting people. Their large size and unpredictable jumping can make them alarming, but they are primarily a nuisance pest.
Why are cave crickets in my basement?
Basements often provide the darkness, moisture and shelter cave crickets prefer. Openings around foundations, doors, windows and utility lines may allow them to enter.
Why do cave crickets jump toward people?
Cave crickets jump unpredictably when disturbed. They are not intentionally attacking or chasing people.
Can cave crickets damage my home?
Large populations may damage stored paper, cardboard, fabric, houseplants and other organic materials. They do not normally cause structural damage.
Will a dehumidifier get rid of cave crickets?
A dehumidifier can make the area less favorable but may not eliminate an established population by itself. Treatment, moisture reduction and sealing entry points often provide better results together.
How long does cave cricket treatment take to work?
Results depend on the infestation level, moisture and hiding areas. Activity should decrease as crickets contact treated areas, but heavily infested properties may require follow-up service.
Does your treatment include a guarantee?
Qualifying one-time cave cricket treatments include a 30-day guarantee. Continued moisture, uncorrected openings or activity in untreated structures may affect coverage.
Is cave cricket control included in Home Defense?
Yes. Cave cricket control is included in qualifying Home Defense Plans. Interior treatment is available under the full-service plan options when needed.
Do you treat garages and crawlspaces?
Yes. Garages, crawlspaces, basements and other accessible areas may be included depending on the selected service and property conditions.
Tired of Cave Crickets Jumping Around Your Basement?
Contact Howey Pest Solutions to schedule a cave cricket inspection. We will identify active areas, provide targeted treatment and explain the moisture and entry conditions that may be contributing to the problem.
We treat every home like our own. From our family to yours.