What Are Earwigs? Understanding These Pests and How to Control Them

If you’ve ever lifted a garden pot or turned over a rock and found a small insect with pincers on its rear end, you’ve likely encountered an earwig. These mysterious-looking creatures often cause concern for homeowners due to their somewhat menacing appearance and the myths that surround them. But what are earwigs, and should you be worried about them invading your home or yard? At Prohealth Pest Control, we believe in educating homeowners about common pests and providing effective pest control services. In this blog post, we’ll explore what earwigs are, their behavior, and how you can prevent and manage an earwig infestation in your home and yard.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are small insects belonging to the order Dermaptera. They are easily recognizable by their elongated bodies, which are typically dark brown or reddish-brown, and the pair of pincer-like appendages (called forceps) on their abdomen. Earwigs vary in size, ranging from about 5 to 25 millimeters in length. Despite their intimidating appearance, earwigs are generally harmless to humans.

One of the most persistent myths about earwigs is that they crawl into people’s ears and burrow into their brains while they sleep. Thankfully, this is entirely untrue! Earwigs do not seek out human ears, and while they may occasionally enter homes, they are not interested in causing harm to people or pets.

Earwigs are nocturnal insects, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they prefer to hide in dark, moist places, such as under rocks, mulch, or logs. They are omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of plant material, decaying organic matter, and smaller insects. While earwigs play a role in the ecosystem by helping to break down organic material, they can become a nuisance when they invade homes or damage plants in your yard.

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

Despite their fearsome appearance, earwigs are not dangerous to humans. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. The pincers on their abdomen are primarily used for defense against predators and for capturing prey, but they are not strong enough to cause harm to humans. In rare cases, an earwig may pinch a person if it feels threatened, but the pinch is usually mild and not painful.

However, earwigs can become a nuisance if they enter your home in large numbers. While they are not known to cause significant damage to structures or belongings, they can be unsightly and unsettling to find indoors. Additionally, earwigs may feed on plants, flowers, and vegetables in your yard, causing damage to your garden.

Why Do Earwigs Enter Homes?

Earwigs are primarily outdoor insects, but they may enter homes in search of food, moisture, or shelter. Some of the most common reasons earwigs invade homes include:

• Moisture: Earwigs are attracted to damp, humid environments. If your home has areas with high moisture levels, such as basements, bathrooms, or kitchens, earwigs may be drawn to these spaces. Leaky pipes, standing water, and poor ventilation can create the kind of damp environment that earwigs find appealing.
• Shelter: As temperatures drop or outdoor conditions become less favorable, earwigs may seek shelter indoors. They often enter homes through cracks, gaps, and other openings around doors, windows, and foundations.
• Food Sources: While earwigs typically feed on organic matter, plants, and smaller insects, they may also be attracted to food crumbs or pet food left out in your home.

How to Prevent Earwig Infestations

Preventing earwigs from invading your home and yard requires a combination of exclusion, sanitation, and outdoor maintenance. Here are some tips to help keep earwigs at bay:

1. Reduce Moisture Levels

Since earwigs are attracted to moisture, reducing excess moisture in and around your home is a key prevention strategy.

• Fix Leaks: Repair any leaky faucets, pipes, or appliances that could be creating damp conditions. Pay attention to areas like basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, where moisture levels tend to be higher.
• Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation can help reduce humidity levels in your home. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Make sure there is no standing water around your home’s foundation or yard. Clear clogged gutters and ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling near your home.

2. Seal Entry Points

Preventing earwigs from entering your home involves sealing off any potential entry points.

• Inspect and Seal Gaps: Check for gaps or cracks around doors, windows, and the foundation of your home, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Install Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps on exterior doors to block any gaps where earwigs might enter.
• Repair Screens: Repair or replace damaged window screens to keep earwigs and other pests from entering your home.

3. Maintain Your Yard

A well-maintained yard can help reduce the likelihood of an earwig infestation. Earwigs thrive in areas with lots of moisture and hiding spots, so lawn pest control is an important part of prevention.

• Trim Vegetation: Keep grass, shrubs, and trees trimmed to reduce shaded, damp areas where earwigs might hide. Avoid letting vegetation grow too close to your home’s foundation.
• Remove Debris: Clear away leaf piles, mulch, and other organic debris from your yard, as these materials can provide shelter for earwigs.
• Use Gravel or Mulch Sparingly: If you use mulch in your garden, consider using a thinner layer to reduce moisture retention. Alternatively, use gravel or stone as a ground cover to discourage earwigs from nesting.

4. Professional Lawn Pest Control Service

If you’re dealing with a persistent earwig problem in your yard or home, a professional pest control service can help. At Prohealth Pest Control, we offer targeted lawn pest control services that address earwigs and other common pests. Our team of experts can assess your property, recommend effective treatment options, and provide ongoing prevention to keep earwigs from becoming a nuisance.

Are Earwigs Harmful to Plants?

In small numbers, earwigs are unlikely to cause significant damage to plants. However, in larger populations, they can feed on garden plants, flowers, and vegetables, leading to noticeable damage. Earwigs are particularly drawn to tender plants like lettuce, basil, and dahlias. They may chew irregular holes in leaves and flowers, which can affect the overall health and appearance of your garden.

If you notice earwig damage in your garden, reducing moisture, removing hiding spots, and using natural repellents like diatomaceous earth can help control their numbers. In more severe cases, a professional pest control service may be necessary to protect your plants and maintain the value of your yard.

Conclusion

Earwigs may look intimidating, but they are generally harmless and play a role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter. However, they can become a nuisance when they invade homes or damage gardens. By understanding what earwigs are, why they enter homes, and how to prevent them, you can keep your home and yard earwig-free. If you’re dealing with an earwig infestation or need help with pest prevention, Prohealth Pest Control offers comprehensive pest control services tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our lawn pest control services and how we can help you protect your home and yard from earwigs and other pests.