The Horrifying Creature That Returns To Maryland Year After Year
Cooler weather brings beautiful autumn foliage, anticipation for the holidays, and magic in the air. However, the cold season isn’t without its annoyances. This is especially true when it comes to the terrifying invaders known as camel crickets. If you’re a Marylander who has encountered these creepy crawlies, you’re not alone…
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Camel crickets, also known as spider crickets or sprickets, are usually a cave-dwelling insect. They prefer dark and moist places, which is why they're so attracted to basements.
As temperatures drop, they hide under leaves, logs, or make their way into homes through the tiniest of cracks. They're just trying to stay warm and hope you won't mind a winter house guest or two... or a few dozen.
These invaders look like the mutant hybrid of a spider and a cricket, hence their nickname. Most people, myself included, find them unusually disturbing. Brace yourselves Marylanders, because these gnarly little guys aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
In fact, studies have found that year after year, camel crickets become more and more abundant on the east coast. Rondunnlab.com collects survey data and maps it, showing how saturated the area of Maryland really is.
During autumn, camel crickets become a hot topic among Marylanders. These scavengers are harmless, and you could actually say they're helpful by eating dead insects lying around the house. What's scary is their size, and the fact that they tend to jump towards you when feeling threatened.
Another eerie thing they tend to do is climb through vents. I'll never forget two winters ago when I was cuddled up on the couch watching television, and all of a sudden a camel cricket fell from a ceiling vent right above my head.
First of all, prevent them from entering your home by patching up cracks around the foundation, windows, and doors. Also be sure to sweep away leaves or other places they may hide. Local exterminators may have a solution, or simple glue traps work wonders.
Spine-chilling tidbit: Once a few camel crickets are stuck on the traps, others will come to eat the dead and get stuck themselves. This is why you may sometimes also hear these things referred to as cannibal crickets.
So with all this I say happy fall, Marylanders! May your homes be clear of these freakish aliens, and may you have zero nightmares of these beady little eyes.
Jamie Alvarenga is a writer, editor, and social media manager for Only In Your State.
She spends her time chasing around a curious toddler and going on coffee-fueled adventures throughout Maryland. Contact: [email protected]
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