Camel cricket....anyone hear of these? Are they dangerous?

Question

We have started to see some camel crickets in our home during the day. They look weird, but since they are crickets, I was wondering if they are dangerous? I know they will destroy clothing, but other than that are they dangerous to touch? I live in MD, does anyone else around here see them in their house? This is new to me.

Answer 1

They're not dangerous to touch. Back when I had a pet turtle, I'd go out and grab them to feed to the turtle.

Answer 2

Here's a starter what they are, danger is relative to what diseases they may spread, which the experts can address.
Camel Cricket
Orthoptera: Gryllidae
About this time of year homeowners often encounter some strange looking and noisy insects in their basements. The strange looking ones are usually camel or cave crickets, the noisy ones are usually field crickets.

DESCRIPTION: These crickets are wingless and have a noticeable hump-backed appearance. Their hind legs are long and they are excellent jumpers (as they would have to be, without wings to depend on!). They have long antennae. They are called cave crickets because they are often found in dark and damp locations, and are common in caves. In fact, there are eyeless cave crickets known only from the depths of some caves in North America. They spend their entire life in darkness--depending on their long antennae and sense of smell to get about and feed.

HABITAT: Cave or camel crickets feed on decaying organic matter, and prefer damp and dark locations. They can be found in basements, but usually not in great numbers, and usually in basements with a definite moisture problem! They are rather secreative, and may go unnoticed for a long time.

CONTROL: Solving the moisture problem is usually the first step in controlling cave crickets. If a chemical method is required, any of the common aerosol insecticides will be effective.