Earwigs

What Are Earwigs?

Small members of the Dermapter family that are usually characterized by their smooth elongated bodies with forceps-like appendages (cerci) are known as earwigs. These cerci are like pinchers that give the insect a variety of capabilities. The males have sets that are larger and more curved than the females. While this might seem interesting, it is the fact that these critters have wings but never choose to fly that is perhaps the most interesting. In addition to this, there is a variety of other misconceptions attached to this bug. Given the name, some people believe that these bugs have a propensity to burrow deep into the ear of the human, travel to their brain, and lay eggs. The is just a myth!

With their reddish-brown bodies, the earwig can blend in with its everyday surroundings. Combine this with their 1/3 inches of body length, and they can be hard to spot. While most common species of this bug only grow to be 1/3 inches in length, there are some species like the Helena Giant Earwig that grow to be as long as 3 inches. There are over 900 different species and they’ll be found throughout varying climates.

What Are Earwigs In My Home?

From what you’ve learned so far, you can easily see that earwigs are unique creatures. Another thing that contributes to their uniqueness and makes them even harder to eradicate is the fact that they are nocturnal. This means they only come out at night and sleep during the day. They’ll spend their days hiding in small, dark, and humid places. They love the dark, damp, and warm and prefer it to other conditions. This is why they are likely in your home. They are trying to get away from the cold.

They travel into homes and buildings when the temperature starts to turn cold. Doing so, they’ll usually take up residence in rooms like the basement, bathroom, or kitchen. They like to keep a consistent diet of plants but have been known to commonly feed on other arthropods like mites and fleas. Given this, some people might consider them to be an asset to the environment. That being said, if you have a mite or flea infestation, you can bet the earwigs won’t be far behind.

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding the earwig. The biggest is that it’ll burrow deep down into your ear and lay eggs. As you can see, that’s not entirely true. And while they do possess cerci that allow them to pinch, they don’t produce enough power to even break the skin. They don’t produce venom or carry diseases. The real threat they pose is the one to your household plants and gardens. They’ll wreak havoc on some of the most sensitive and delicate plants. They’ll also feed on decaying organic materials, which means they can make a mess in the property, given the opportunity.

How Can You Get Rid Of Earwigs?

If you want to eliminate your earwig problem and ensure that it stays gone, you have to start with attacking the outside population. In addition to this, consider the light and moisture. Earwigs are drawn to both and this reducing these things will reduce the attraction to your property. Sealing around your doors and window to block out the light is an excellent tactic, but what is one supposed to do about porch lighting and outside lighting?

This is where sodium vapor yellow lights come in handy. These lights are much less attractive to the bug and might even give a unique look to your property. Either way, they are a much more effective and safer option than white, neon, and mercury vapor lighting, especially when it comes to earwigs. Another thing you’ll have to consider is the entry points. How are the bugs getting into the home? There has to be a way they are getting in! It is usually through the cracks and crevices in the foundation. Seal these off and you’ll be on your way to eliminating your problem.

When Can Help Get Here?

With our unique understanding of pest management and access to eco-friendly tools, we stay busy all year round. Combine this with our low pricing and friendly stay, and it is probably easy to see why we are the premier pest management provider in the area. With all that being said, we are always willing to make time for our customers when they need it. We know pests can be a major problem and when infested, one wants to remove the problem as quickly as possible. This is why we can guarantee that we’ll have someone out on the property within 24 to 48 hours after you make that initial phone call. We do have emergency services standing by if and when it is needed.

Are There Safer Alternatives?

Unfortunately, a lot of earwig treatments involve the utilization of chemicals and pesticides. Chemicals and pesticides can be dangerous in the right situations. In the wrong, untrained hands, these chemicals can present nightmarish scenarios. Luckily, this is something you won’t ever have to worry about when you utilize our services. All our techs are EPA certified and trained to the highest degree. We also do offer greener options for those interested. These options might be more expensive, but in the long run, are more effective. To learn more, give us a call today!

Is It Possible To Prevent Earwigs?

Any pest problem can be difficult to eliminate. The best place to start is with sealing the property. Keep the property sealed at all times. Seal the cracks, seal the crevices, seal around the doors, and seal around the windows. Eliminate the entry points and keep them shut off. If there is a way for pests to get into the property, you can rest assured they will find it. Earwigs are drawn to moisture and the large populations will be found around foundations, landscaped yards, and woodpiles. Keeping an eye on these areas will also help.

After you have the entryways sealed off, you’ll want to tackle potential moisture problems. Earwigs are drawn to moisture, thus eliminating these conditions will reduce the likelihood of the presence of bugs in the home or building. Crawl spaces, under storage buildings, around rain gutters, near leaking pipes, and attics are all problematic moisture areas. Inspect these areas regularly and keep an eye out for standing water or moisture. Ventilation will help!

We can also help you devise prevention plans that can be implemented to keep your property earwig-free. All you have to do is give us a call. There will be someone standing by to field your concerns and answer your questions. We are here for you!

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