What are earwigs?
Earwigs are insects that have long, flat, slender bodies that are reddish-brown in color. They have unique appendages (cerci) that act like forceps extending from the end of their abdomens. They use their cerci to protect themselves from each other and other predators, as well as to capture prey. Most species of earwigs have wings, though not all fly.
Are earwigs dangerous?
Earwigs got their name due to the widespread superstition that they crawl into the ears of sleeping people that are to lay their eggs. People tend to think these insects are much more dangerous than they are; the fact is that earwigs do not crawl into ears, nor do they cause us any significant health risks. These nocturnal insects are scavengers and mainly feed on decaying vegetation. They are garden pests but only cause serious plant damage when living together in huge numbers. Inside, earwigs feed on and contaminate pantry items like bread, cereal, flour, oats, and cookies. Earwigs are also unpleasant because they produce an unpleasant odor when disturbed or threatened.
Why do I have an earwig problem?
Earwigs find their way onto properties in items like newspapers, packages, potted plants, and cars. To protect themselves from the cooler winter weather, earwigs enter homes and other structures in the late fall. They move inside through cracks they find in a building’s foundation, exterior walls, roof line, and spaces underneath doors. Once inside, earwigs hide in hard-to-reach areas like attics, behind walls, under floors, and in crawlspaces.
Where will I find earwigs?
Earwigs are nocturnal and hide during the day in damp, dark areas. Outside, these insects burrow into the soil under mulch, landscaping ties, leaf litter, compost piles, woodpiles, rocks, and trash cans. When earwigs move inside, they seek out areas that mimic their outdoor environments. Basements, bathrooms, crawlspaces, laundry rooms, and areas under sinks are common indoor hiding spots for earwigs.
How do I get rid of earwigs?
Dedicated to providing our residential and commercial customers with effective pest control solutions, Evolve Pest Control will solve all of your Texas, Nevada, and Southern Utah property’s pest problems. With extensive service areas and trained and experienced service technicians, we perform thorough inspections and advanced treatments to eliminate pests and prevent them from returning. Our goal is to offer our customers high-quality services that are affordable and eco-friendly, helping them to maintain a pest-free home or business. To request your free quote and get started with your service, contact Evolve Pest Control today!
How can I prevent earwigs in the future?
In addition to our professional services, the following tips will help to keep crickets off your property:
- Inspect cut flowers, potted plants, newspapers, and packages for earwigs before bringing them inside.
- Eliminate their access to stored pantry items by storing dry goods in airtight containers.
- Seal up spaces in your exterior walls, foundation, and roofline.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
- Dry out damp basements using a dehumidifier.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.
- Leave a barrier of crushed rock or stone between your foundation and any mulch or grass.
- Cut back overgrown vegetation away from the exterior walls, allowing the sun to dry out the soil around your property.
