Earwigs: What You Need to Know

Need to get rid of earwigs? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Is An Earwig?

Earwigs are small, nocturnal insects that hide in moist cracks and crevices during the day and feed on both insects and plants at night. They get their name from their hindwings which resemble a human ear when unfolded. Earwigs can be found all over the world on most continents. There are around 1,800 earwig species with 25 of those found in North America.

What Do Earwigs Look Like?

While generally small in size, ranging from 0.2 to 2 inches, earwigs have flat, long bodies with a pair of forceps-like pincers located at the end of their abdomen. These pincers act as both offense and defense as earwigs use them to both capture prey as well as to protect themselves from any threat.

What Do Earwigs Eat?

Earwigs are scavengers that subsist on a diet of plants and ripe fruit, but will also actively hunt and eat arthropods and insects. Their favorite foods are the common crucifer, the white clover and the dahlia, but they will feed on aphids, spiders and insect eggs if other food sources aren’t available.

Can an Earwig Infestation Damage My Home?

Earwigs can do a lot of damage to foliage, flowers and other plants around your home and in your garden. They may enter your home as they are attracted to bright lights. They are more likely to stay on your porch or patio near the lights in those areas.

Are Earwigs Dangerous To Humans?

Looking at an earwig you might think that its large pincers would make it a threat to humans, but they are actually quite harmless. If threatened, they might grab on to your finger with their pincers but they do not sting or bite and do not have any venom. They are considered pests and can do damage to your plants and property if not taken care of.

What Should I Do If I Have Earwigs In My Home?

If you have found earwigs in your home, it is likely that they have entered your home through cracks in your home’s foundation. Make sure to seal any cracks you find in the foundation and walls of your home. Earwigs can be a tricky pest to eliminate completely which is the only way to rid yourself of the problem. To guarantee that your days of dealing with earwigs are over, call a trusted pest control specialist to inspect your home and safely and effectively eliminate your earwig problem for good.

Call Pest Control Experts today to get a free quote and to schedule your home pest inspection as soon as possible!