Can Camel Crickets Bite?
Camel crickets — also known as cave crickets or spider crickets — cannot bite people. They don’t have the mouthparts needed to pierce or chew through human skin. Unlike many other insects, camel crickets lack strong mandibles or fangs. Instead, their mouthparts are designed for chewing organic material like fungi, plant matter, and decaying debris, not flesh.
That said, camel crickets can still startle people because of their large size, long legs, and powerful jumping ability. When they feel threatened, they often leap toward the source of movement, which can look like an attack — but it’s purely defensive and harmless.
While camel crickets won’t bite, they can still become a nuisance in basements, crawl spaces, and other damp areas. They may chew on fabrics, paper, or cardboard when food is scarce, leading to minor household damage.
Do Camel Crickets Bite?
Camel crickets are not known to bite people in any situation — even when handled, cornered, or frightened. They lack the anatomy necessary to bite through human skin. Their mouthparts are adapted for chewing decaying plant material, fungi, and other organic matter, not for defense or predation. That said, there are a few situations where people might think a camel cricket has bitten them:
Startle reactions – When threatened, camel crickets can suddenly jump toward people, sometimes landing on skin or clothing. The quick contact can feel like a nip or pinch, but it’s just the sensation of their spiny legs.
Accidental skin contact – If a camel cricket crawls on someone, its long legs and rough texture can cause a mild scratching or tickling sensation that might be mistaken for a bite.
Environmental irritation – People working in damp basements, crawl spaces, or sheds (where camel crickets thrive) might experience itchiness or irritation from dust, mold, or other allergens and assume the crickets are biting — but they aren’t.
Camel crickets don’t bite under any circumstances. Their jumpy, unpredictable movements often cause alarm, but they are completely harmless to people and pets.
Camel Cricket Bites
So-called camel cricket “bites” don’t actually exist — because camel crickets cannot bite or pierce human skin. However, people sometimes report marks or irritation after encountering these insects, usually mistaking other causes for a “bite.” Here’s what’s really happening and what such marks might look like:
No true bite marks – Camel crickets have no fangs or piercing mouthparts. If you see puncture marks, welts, or redness, something else is responsible — such as mosquitoes, spiders, fleas, or an allergic skin reaction.
Possible skin irritation – If a camel cricket jumps onto your skin or you brush against one, their spiny legs may cause a mild scratch, scrape, or red spot. This irritation is mechanical, not venomous or infectious.
Secondary irritation – In damp environments where camel crickets live, mold, dust, or other insects can cause itchy or inflamed spots, which people might incorrectly attribute to a bite.
Psychological misinterpretation – Because camel crickets can suddenly jump toward you, the shock often makes people think they were bitten. In reality, it’s just a reflexive reaction to the unexpected contact.
If you notice persistent red bumps, swelling, or itching, it’s worth considering other insect culprits (like mosquitoes, spiders, or bed bugs) or even environmental allergies rather than camel crickets.