Earwigs are found throughout North America. These glossy, elongated insects are brown to black in color and measure ½ to 1 inch long. Earwigs get their name from an old superstition that they would crawl into people’s ears. Earwigs don’t bite people, but they can pinch. You can identify earwigs by their pair of curved pincers emerging from the tip of the abdomen. Here is what you need to know about earwigs in your home.
There are approximately 22 earwig species in the United States. In the western and northern regions of the United States, the primary pest species is the European earwig (Forficula auricularia), which was introduced into North America in the early 1900’s. If an earwig feels threatened, they can emit a foul-smelling yellow liquid in defense.
Earwigs can be an extremely significant pest. Earwigs are known to feast on plants and can often be found in gardens, landscaping, and in potted plants. Often referred to as the “Pincher Bug,“ the earwig is distinguished by a pair of sharp pincers at the tail end, which they use mainly for defense. The earwig has 6 legs that are light brown in color, and they have 2 antennae that extend off the front of their head.
Earwigs are nocturnal insects that typically hide in small, dark and damp crevices during the daytime hours. They become active at night where they search for different insects and plants to feed off of. Earwigs are usually found in damp areas, such as under mulch, dead leaves, logs, and piles of firewood, boards, stones and other debris or in rotted wood where they feed on moist, decaying plant material. They are often more prevalent in rainy seasons and found in moist locations that offer that type of ideal living space. When inside, earwigs can be found in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and in mudrooms.
Signs you have an Earwig Infestation:
We believe it is crucial to understand the biology and behavior of pests to effectively eliminate and prevent them. We use scientifically proven methods to develop our pest-specific treatments and are constantly researching and finding new, improved ways to successfully eradicate unwanted pests. A pest professional at Altus will evaluate points of entry, inspect your property for damage and develop a treatment plan effective for your family. We offer eco-friendly solutions to eliminate any earwig problem in or around your home.
How Altus Pest Control Can Get Rid of Earwigs
Earwig control is better left to the professionals. Earwigs are also extremely prolific, and if left untreated they can cause major damage to landscaping.
Females lay their eggs underground, which makes it hard to target them at that stage. In addition, earwigs are fast-moving insects, so treating them directly is difficult. At Altus, we use products that are specifically labeled for treating earwigs and can penetrate those hard-to-reach areas where earwigs are known to harbor.
Earwigs can be unpleasant to find in your home and a problem to plant life in your garden. Like all insects, it’s possible for earwigs to get anywhere, including on furniture or even in your bed. The key to prevention is addressing wet/moist areas inside and around your home, and sealing things up. Care for your property, garden, and home by monitoring mulch piles and landscaping for signs of earwigs. If you see earwig activity, call Altus to assist you with the problem.
Sometimes prevention isn’t enough. If you find that your home has been infested by earwigs, you need the help of a professional. If earwigs have infested your home or business, call Altus Pest Control to find the source of the infestation and get rid of them effectively. Our family wants to keep your family and home safe from earwigs, and other pests.