These bugs put the creepy in creepy-crawly.
Thomas Dobrinska is a BCE, PHE, and technical service manager atTerminix.
What Are Earwigs?
Photo:Ali Majdfar/Getty Images
Earwigs are small, flat insects that are reddish-brown in color.
They grow to be about 5/8 inch and have short wings.
They’re most widely known for their prominent pinchers and long antennae.
These insects are nocturnal and like moist, dark areas like mulch and under stones.
They live on a diet of leaves, flowers, fruits, and even other insectsnot humans!
They’ll also seek out light during the night as they feed on insects.
They’re mostly active in the garden, but earwigs can become a household nuisance in summer.
On earwigs, they look like scary claws, but are harmless to humans.
Why Do Earwigs Show Up in Your House?
“Neither the eggs nor immature nymphs can withstand the long periods of dryness.
This may cause them to seek shelters elsewhere.”
“Ensure water is diverted away from the structure.”
However, earwigs can survive in water up to 24 hours.
Gaps in doors and foundations, as well as leaks and vents, are places where earwigs can invade.
Encourage Natural Predators
Use measures to draw natural predators to your yard to eliminate earwigs.
Toads, frogs, birds, and larger insects all consume earwigs.
Put up bird feeders to attract these natural predators to help control earwigs.
Set Traps
Dobrinska also says granular insect baits can help get rid of an earwig problem.
it’s possible for you to also set a homemade trap.
Pour a small amount vegetable or fish oil into a shallow dish or overturned jar lid.
Leave the trap where you’ve seen earwigs, such as in cabinets or dark corners.
The scent will attract the earwigs, and they’ll drown in the oil.
These include lavender, eucalyptus, basil, cinnamon, rosemary, and others.
Exterminators are licensed to safely disperse pest control chemicals.
They can set traps, use insecticides, and sanitize your home.
It won’t break the skin, but it could hurt a bit.
Earwigs can indicate that you’ve got a more significant problem on your hands.
A small number of earwigs in your garden is harmless and essential for maintaining your plant ecosystem.
Earwigs consume smaller bugs and dead plants and break down dying plants.
Cerci - entomologists glossary- amateur entomologists society(Aes).
Earwigs Management Guidelines–UC IPM.
