Earwigs
Earwigs are often misunderstood insects that can cause unnecessary concern due to their intimidating appearance and odd name. Despite the myths about them crawling into human ears, earwigs do not pose a significant risk to people. However, they can become a nuisance in your garden or home, especially during warmer months. By understanding earwigs’ behavior, how to identify them, and how to prevent or manage an infestation, you can better protect your property from these pests.
Get a Free Quote Today!
Top Rated Pest Control In Florida
Delivering Beyond Expectations
What Makes Us Unique
Quick Response Time
More Pest covered
Honest and Credible
Local Service Professionals
Family-Owned
Eco-Friendly
Arrives On-time
100% Free Estimates
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are small, nocturnal insects that belong to the order Dermaptera. They are easily identifiable due to their long, slender bodies, which typically measure about 1 inch in length, and their distinctive pincers (also known as forceps) on their rear ends. These pincers are not used for attacking or biting humans but serve primarily for defense and mating purposes. While the name “earwig” comes from an old myth that these insects crawl into people’s ears to burrow, it is entirely false. Earwigs typically live in dark, damp environments, where they seek shelter and food.
Identifying Earwigs
Earwigs have a characteristic appearance that makes them relatively easy to identify. They are usually reddish-brown or black and have elongated, soft bodies with wings that they rarely use. Although they have wings, earwigs prefer crawling rather than flying. They are often found in garden beds, under rocks, and inside homes, particularly in basements, attics, and cracks around doorways or windows.
Key characteristics of earwigs include:
- Color: Reddish-brown to black, with some species having yellowish markings.
- Size: Typically 1 inch long, though this can vary depending on the species.
- Pincers: Earwigs have pincers on the rear of their bodies that they use for self-defense or to catch prey. The pincers are curved and resemble forceps.
- Wings: While earwigs possess wings, they rarely use them for flight. They typically crawl and scuttle across surfaces.
- Behavior: Earwigs are nocturnal and tend to hide during the day in dark, moist environments.
In addition to being a bit unsettling, earwigs can also be destructive in gardens. These pests are particularly attracted to tender, soft plants and can cause damage by feeding on foliage, flowers, and fruits. Common garden plants at risk of earwig damage include dahlias, hostas, marigolds, and fruits like apples.
The Dangers of an Earwig Infestation
While earwigs do not bite humans or pets, they can damage plants and create an unsightly mess in your garden. When they invade your home, they are more of a nuisance than a health threat. Here’s how an earwig infestation can impact your living space:
- Damage to Plants: Earwigs can cause extensive damage to your garden plants, particularly those with tender leaves and flowers. They feed on a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental flowers.
- Unpleasant Surprises: Earwigs are often found in damp, dark places like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Their presence in your home can cause concern and discomfort, even though they don’t pose any real health risks to humans.
- Attraction to Moisture: Earwigs are particularly attracted to moist environments, making homes with high humidity or poor ventilation prime locations for them to take refuge.
How to Prevent Earwigs
The best way to avoid an earwig infestation is to focus on prevention. Here are some effective tips to help you keep these pests away from your home and garden:
1. Seal Entry Points
One of the first steps in preventing earwig infestations is to ensure that your home is sealed off from the outside world. Earwigs can enter your home through the smallest cracks, gaps, or openings in doors, windows, and walls. To keep them out:
- Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, and openings around doors.
- Use weatherstripping on doors and windows to prevent pests from crawling inside.
- Caulk or seal cracks in walls, window sills, and around plumbing pipes.
2. Remove Moisture and Damp Areas
Earwigs thrive in moist environments, so reducing moisture around your home can discourage them from taking up residence. To limit moisture:
- Fix any leaks in pipes, faucets, or roof areas to prevent excess water from pooling around your home.
- Use dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity, such as basements and crawl spaces.
- Ensure proper drainage around your property to prevent water from accumulating in garden beds or near the foundation of your home.
3. Maintain a Clean and Tidy Yard
Earwigs are attracted to areas with ample hiding spots and food sources. By maintaining your yard and garden, you can limit the environments where earwigs can thrive. Follow these tips to keep your outdoor space less inviting to earwigs:
- Regularly remove leaves, mulch, and plant debris from around your garden and yard. (H4)
- Trim back plants, especially those with soft, tender foliage that earwigs love to feed on. (H4)
- Keep your lawn mowed to eliminate potential hiding spots for earwigs. (H4)
Consider moving wood piles, rocks, or other debris away from the exterior of your home to reduce hiding areas. (H4)
4. Use Natural Repellents
If you’re looking for a natural way to repel earwigs, there are several options you can try. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint are effective at deterring earwigs. To make a natural repellent:
- Mix 10-20 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution around entry points, cracks, and crevices where earwigs may enter your home.
You can also spray the repellent directly on plants that may be at risk of earwig damage.
5. Set Traps for Earwigs
Trapping earwigs is an effective and humane way to manage their numbers. One simple method is to create a trap using rolled-up newspaper:
- Moisten a few sheets of newspaper and roll them up loosely.
- Place the rolled-up newspapers in areas where earwigs are likely to hide, such as near garden beds or under furniture.
- In the morning, check the traps, and dispose of any earwigs you find.
Alternatively, you can use commercial earwig traps available at garden centers or pest control stores.
Dealing with an Active Infestation
If you already have an earwig infestation, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage. While natural methods and prevention tips can be effective, you may need to take additional measures if the infestation is severe.
1. Use Insecticides
Insecticides designed for earwigs are available at garden centers or home improvement stores. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and apply the product directly to areas where earwigs are present. Always use caution when applying chemicals, and consider contacting a professional pest control service for advice on safe and effective insecticide use.
2. Seek Professional Pest Control
For large or persistent infestations, professional pest control services may be necessary. A pest control technician can assess the extent of the infestation, identify the source of the problem, and implement long-term solutions to keep earwigs from returning.
Need Help with Earwigs or Other Pests?
If you’re dealing with an earwig infestation or other pest-related concerns, Pest Brothers, Inc. is here to help. Our experienced team offers professional pest control services, including lawn and termite care, to ensure your home and garden stay pest-free.
Don’t let earwigs cause damage to your plants or disrupt your home. Contact Pest Brothers, Inc. today for a comprehensive pest control solution tailored to your needs!
The Importance of Professional Pest Control
While DIY methods may temporarily reduce the number of earwigs, these pests often hide in hard-to-reach, damp areas, making complete removal difficult. For long-term control and to prevent recurring infestations, professional pest control services offer the most reliable and thorough solution.
At Pest Brothers, Inc., we offer comprehensive earwig control services, including thorough inspections, customized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. Our skilled technicians can locate earwig hiding spots and apply targeted treatments to eliminate these moisture-loving pests. Using eco-friendly products and strategies focused on long-term prevention, we help safeguard your home and family from future infestations.
To ensure consistent protection, we recommend regular applications, typically on a monthly basis during Florida’s peak earwig season.
Award-winning
Services in Florida
We couldn’t believe how many mice were getting into our home. From one small hole from the outside wall, they infested our walls. We were freaked out when we found so many mice! Thanks so much to Jose and Michael for quickly taking care of this gross situation!
– Alicia Regalado
No matter how many sprays we bought at Home Depot, we couldn’t get rid of the ants. They were everywhere, like in our cabinets, drawers and cupboards. My husband was recommended the Pest Brothers and I’m so glad he called. The earwigs are finally gone!
– Maria Hernandez
South Florida has plenty of mosquitos, but so often we felt that almost all those mosquitos made a living in our backyard. We couldn’t go outside for a BBQ or play catch without getting a swarm of mosquitos on us. With regular treatment with the Pest Brothers, it’s now under control. We can confidently refer them to anyone.
– Evan Hoffman
Yeah, I’m one of the screamers! When I see a roach, I get a little nauseous, angry and scared. And even though I keep my house super clean, I seemed to always have those huge Florida roaches with wings invading my space. And they are scary! They fly! Ugh. I called Pest Brothers and they took care of those nasty creatures and the roaches have NOT returned. Highly recommend their service.
– Richard Valenzuela
Effective and Reliable
Contact Pest Brothers, Inc. for Earwig Control Solutions
If you’re dealing with an earwig infestation or want to prevent future issues, Pest Brothers, Inc. is here to help. Our team of experts offers detailed inspections, effective treatments, and practical advice to keep your property earwig-free.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about us. Take the first step toward a pest-free home.