Once believed to crawl in people’s ears and burrow into the brain, we now know that earwigs are actually quite harmless insects. They don’t sting, bite, or transmit disease, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t annoying. Earwigs can multiply quickly and are quite the nuisance pest. They can damage plants, foliage, photos, wallpaper, and books. Some species of earwigs are also stinky and will release a foul odor when frightened or crushed. So, what can you do to get rid of earwigs for good?
Identification
Earwigs are long, narrow, dark brown insects that are about an inch long. Their most distinguishing characteristic are cerci, or small pincers, on their abdomen. Earwigs typically live in dark, moist places. Outdoors this would include leaf piles, compost heaps, under rocks or pots, or inside tree holes. When it gets cold outside, they will attempt to enter homes through cracks in the walls or foundation. Once inside the house, they like to stay in basements, laundry rooms, crawl spaces or under sinks.
Prevention
Earwigs can be creepy to find in you home, but luckily, there are many things that can be done to prevent them. Start by sealing the exterior of your home so that there are no cracks or gaps that lead inside. Next, eliminate piles of leaves, compost, and debris around your yard. If you want to keep a compost pile, just ensure that it is as far away from the home as possible to prevent easy access for bugs and rodents. Once their favorite habitat is gone, they will hopefully find a new place to live. It is also important to keep moisture away from your home. Make sure that your gutters are in good repair and that any water flows away from the foundation.
Once you have applied prevention methods to the outside of your home, move to the inside. Since earwigs, and many other insects, like moist places, it is important to fix any leaky faucets or pipes and possibly even consider a dehumidifier for your whole home. Keep your home as clean as possible so that insects will not have a readily available source of food. This includes vacuuming and mopping regularly.
If these prevention methods are not enough, or you just want a little extra help managing earwigs in your home, call Six Brothers Pest Control. We are a family owned and operated company. We believe in quality service and excellent customer care. We will take care of whatever insect or rodent is bugging you in the Kansas City area. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we are confident that we can earn your business and your trust.
