Earwig Pest Control

Earwigs are a strange and somewhat frightening-looking insect most easily identified by the claw-like pincers that are located at the end of their abdomens. Their name comes from an old wives’ tale that the insects would burrow into the ears of people while they slept, and thus be in the ear of the victims when they awoke.

Fortunately, this is nothing more than an urban legend. Earwigs pose no direct threat to people, and their pincers are not venomous for humans. However, they are undoubtedly creepy looking, and they can sometimes emit a noxious odor as a defense mechanism when startled or disturbed.

Earwigs live in brush and under vegetation that can be quite close to the home. In that way, they will scurry inside once the weather turns cooler, and be very happy to set up shop in the home under furniture, under carpets and anywhere where they will be unseen.

Our premier exterminators will be happy to remove these unsightly pests from your home. Just give us a call, we are only a phone call away.

IDENTIFYING EARWIGS IN THE HOME

There are three common earwig species:

– European Earwigs: The most commonly found species in the U.S., these earwigs have long antennae and noticeable pincers. They are brownish in color and can sometimes invade homes or gardens in large numbers.

– Red-legged Earwigs: Dominant primarily in the south, these dark brown earwigs have yellow-tan undersides. They can also be seen in large populations nearby residential dwellings.

– Striped Earwigs: More commonly found outdoors, these black and tan bugs have especially large rear pincers.

All three earwig species are primarily herbivorous, living on a diet mostly composed of rotting plant material. They enjoy compost piles, fallen leaves and unattended garbage. Some earwigs are capable of flight, but they generally prefer to crawl to get around to find food resources and nest.

Earwigs usually enter the home in search of shelter or water. Dry summers and drought conditions are one reason that earwigs might be found indoors. They are commonly seen in kitchens and bathrooms where water is most plentiful.

Earwigs are not a social insect like ants or wasps, but they can arrive in large numbers if the conditions are right. Their alarming appearance and occasionally large numbers make these pests a nuisance for residential homes and business owners. It is the better idea to get rid of them once they are found inside, as they will grow in numbers unless stopped.

HOW TO GET RID OF EARWIGS

Earwigs are not dangerous to humans. They are not venomous, and their pincers are not strong enough to deliver a particularly painful sting. However, they can still be an unwanted visitor in the home, and have a high nuisance quotient. Moreover, they are a common food for other pests such as spiders, scorpions and even rodents. But they will winter over in a home if they can find a way to get in.

These pests can be found living outside under shrubs, near vegetation and can grow colonies that get quite large in size underground. They will come inside in areas where the doorways are left open in the warmer months, or where there is a high traffic area walking from inside to outside during the daytime or at night. Of course, the earwig prefers to be outside in its natural habitat, but when it gets cooler and the seasons change, they will venture inside. Once inside, they will find a way into carpets, into wall spaces and may get into clothing and bedding as they expand their numbers inside.

If you have unwanted earwigs in your home, we can help. We are your premier pest control company. We have experience in handling these and many other common pests. Contact us today for more information or to request an appointment with one of our pest removal experts!