How to Make a Glue Trap to Catch Camel Crickets

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How to Make a Glue Trap to Catch Camel Crickets
Image Credit: Dr-MYM/iStock/GettyImages

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard

  • Scissors

  • Corn syrup

  • Cooking pot

  • Large spoon

  • Plastic knife

  • Duct tape

  • Wax paper or newspaper

  • Granulated sugar

  • Plain bread crumbs

  • Paper towel

  • Jar with lid

Duct tape has a strong, sticky surface effective in trapping camel crickets.

Glue traps or sticky boards are effective in trapping camel crickets, flying insects and even mice. Making your own cricket traps is inexpensive and works just as well as the commercial sticky boards to help get rid of any camel crickets. This insect has long legs that resemble spider legs and a humpbacked appearance. Camel crickets appear indoors during unusually rainy or hot, dry weather. They leave unsightly and unsanitary fecal smears and can damage clothing or other fabrics stored in boxes. Camel crickets are light brown or beige and have bands of darker colors on their bodies.

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Corn Syrup Method

Step 1: Cut the Cardboard

Cut a piece of cardboard with scissors so that it is approximately 5 by 7 inches. Make three or four if the room is large or you have seen many of the insects.

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Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Pour equal parts of corn syrup and water into a small cooking pot.

Step 3: Boil and Stir

Stir the mixture over medium high heat until it boils down and forms a thick, sticky paste.

Step 4: Bait the Trap

Spread the sticky mixture over one side of the cardboard with a plastic knife.

Step 5: Position the Trap

Set the glue trap in corners, behind appliances and other places you have spotted the camel crickets.

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Step 6: Check the Trap

Inspect the traps daily and discard them once you capture any camel crickets.

Duct Tape Method

Step 1: Cut Out Cardboard Traps

Cut three or four pieces of cardboard with scissors so they are approximately 5 by 7 inches each.

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Step 2: Wrap the Traps With Tape

Wrap duct tape around the cardboard so that the sticky side is facing up.

Step 3: Secure the Tape

Pull the tape around to the backside of the cardboard and overlap it slightly to make it stick. Continue wrapping the tape around the cardboard until it covers the entire thing.

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Step 4: Place the Trap on Wax Paper or Newspaper

Set the trap down on a sheet of wax paper or newspaper. This prevents the backside from sticking to the floor.

Step 5: Situate the Traps

Place the traps in corners and anywhere else you have seen camel crickets.

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Step 6: Monitor the Traps

Check the traps daily and discard them once you capture the insects. Make more traps if necessary.

Camel Cricket Live Traps

Notwithstanding the yuck factors, camel crickets actually do have a practical use. According to the Home Pest Removal website, you can catch crickets to use as very excellent fishing bait, if you catch them alive.

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Step 1: Prepare the Jar

Poke holes in the jar lid. Screw the lid back onto the jar and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Bait

Combine equal parts granulated sugar and plain bread crumbs. White or wheat bread crumbs work just fine. Avoid seasoned bread crumbs as crickets don't like some smells.

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Step 3: Bait the Trap

Pour the mixture into a pile on the center of a small saucer.

Step 4: Finish the Cricket Trap

Cover the saucer lightly with a paper towel or newspaper. Place it where you've seen cricket activity, but out of the reach of children and pets. The mixture won't harm them, but you still don't want them snacking on your cricket trap.

Step 5: Open the Jar

Grab the jar and uncover the saucer. Do this early in the morning, before the sun comes up if possible. Most crickets are nocturnal, meaning that they go somewhere to hide and sleep through the day.

Step 6: Catch the Fish Bait

Catch as many of the crickets as you can. Put them into the jar and cover with the lid in between catches. These will make excellent fishing bait, or you can even use them to feed certain pet reptiles.

Tip

Prevent camel crickets by sealing cracks and gaps in doors, windows and the foundation of your home with weather stripping or caulking. Keep the basement area and crawlspaces dry since the insects are attracted to moist, cool areas. Store the remaining corn syrup paste in a glass jar with a lid to use in the future. If the glue traps become dusty, they are not as sticky or effective. Replace them with new traps once this happens.

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