Earwigs may be harmless insects, but they have long had a reputation for being creepy. Before the 20th century, it was a common belief that earwigs would crawl into people’s ears and burrow into the brain to lay their eggs. Scientists have now debunked this myth, but many people still shudder at the sight of them. Earwigs lay their eggs in the spring, so summer and early fall are prime time for earwig infestations.
Identification
Earwigs are strange looking insects that are most notable for the long pincers that protrude from their abdomen. These pincers are used for holding their prey and defending against predators. Earwigs typically are dark brown in color, grow to be about an inch long, and have long, narrow bodies. They like dark, moist habitats like compost piles, under rocks, inside tree holes, and in leaf piles. As the weather begins to cool, they may seek refuge inside homes. Common places to find earwigs include: basements, under sinks, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces.
Prevention Methods
Earwigs are not dangerous to humans. They do not transmit any diseases and do not sting or bite. They can, however, damage plants, photos, books, and other papers. They also multiply quickly and can be quite a nuisance, so keeping them out of your house is important. Prevention of earwigs and many other pests starts with sealing the exterior of the home. Make sure that all cracks and gaps have been sealed with caulk or expandable spray foam. Also check to ensure that doors and windows have intact weatherstripping and the screens fit snugly. Next, eliminate the earwigs preferred habitat by keeping leaf litter, compost, and other debris cleaned up and away from your home.
Inside your home, eliminate excess moisture by fixing all leaky pipes and faucets. If you have a moisture problem, you may even want to consider a dehumidifier for your home. Lastly, keep your home neat and tidy by cleaning up spills, sweeping and vacuuming regularly, and decluttering.
Sunshine Coast Pest Control
If prevention methods are not enough to keep the earwigs out of your home, contact Radar Pest Control for some extra help. Radar Pest Control has practiced general pest control along the Sunshine Coast for many years and also treats specialty pests like termites as well. For Buderim pest control, Nambour pest control, and everywhere in between, you can count on Radar to get the job done right.