Earwigs
Brief Overview of Earwigs
There’s an old myth associated with earwigs. It goes something like this: while people are sleeping, these bugs will crawl into their ears in order to burrow into their brains and lay eggs. Completely false, earwigs are simply nuisance pests that show up uninvited.
What Do Earwigs Look Like?
Earwigs have long narrow bodies that are dark reddish-brown in color. Their most distinctive feature is the two “cerci” or pinchers that come off of their hind ends. The male’s cerci are curved while the female’s cerci are straight. The pinchers are used to defend themselves.
Where Do Earwigs Nest?
Earwigs live and nest in damp dark areas. Common places include:
- Mulch
- Decaying leaf piles
- Piles of grass
- Under landscaping ties
- Logs
- Tree hollows
When the weather becomes too hot and dry, earwigs will make their way inside to find conditions that better suit them. Like other bugs, they slip inside through cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and other openings. You’ll often find these pests in kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces as well as other places that mimic their preferred environment.
What Do Earwigs Eat?
Earwigs aren’t super picky and will feed on a wide variety of both living and dead things. Earwigs eat insects, mites, leaves, flowers, berries and soft fruits, and mold.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
Earwigs are not dangerous to human health or safety and will not cause damage to property. Their habit of infesting homes and structures makes them a nuisance pest since no one wants to share their space with bugs.
How Do I Get Rid of Earwigs?
To get rid of earwigs and other occasional invaders, contact Adams Exterminating Company. Serving Lewisville, Denton, and North Texas, our team of licensed pest control technicians will help you get rid of earwigs and other pests that make your home less comfortable. Click through to learn more about our home pest control programs or simply give us a call to discuss your situation.
