Do Cave Crickets Prevent Termites? An Expert Debunks the Myth

You may have heard an old-timer's claim: "Houses with cave crickets in the crawl space never get termites." It sounds plausible—maybe the crickets eat termites or drive them away? University of Georgia termite specialist Dan Suiter says there is absolutely no truth to this.

The Facts

• Cave crickets (camel crickets) are scavengers. They feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, and detritus in damp, dark environments.
• They do not eat termites.
• They do not repel termites.
• They do not indicate the absence of termites.

Why the Myth Persists

Both insects favor moist, dark crawl spaces. A crawl space that supports cave crickets (damp, organic debris) is also conducive to termites. Their coexistence is due to shared habitat preferences, not biological interaction.

What You Should Do

1. Don't rely on crickets for termite control.
2. Address moisture: Install vapor barriers, improve drainage, fix leaks, ensure ventilation.
3. Schedule professional termite inspections annually.
4. Maintain a termite bond/treatment plan appropriate for your region.

Cave crickets are a nuisance pest; termites are a structural threat. Treat them as separate issues requiring separate solutions.