Earwigs are slender insects that get their name from the old European myth that they crawl into people’s ears and tunnel into their brains while they are sleeping. While this superstition has no scientific backing, the pincers located on the back of an earwig’s abdomen are quite frightening to many people. There are more than 20 different earwig species occurring in the United States. The earwig is considered to be a ground insect, but when appropriate, it can easily fly. The majority of earwigs live beneath leaves and areas that contain mulch. It is important for homeowners to know that earwigs do not use their pincers to attack humans. However, if earwigs are disturbed, there is a chance that they will latch onto skin, which can produce a mild pinch. Even though Earwigs do not harm humans, they can still be a huge nuisance to have in your home. If you are in need of Earwig control, you need an experienced and dependable exterminator on your side. Contact Ready Pest Control today to learn more about how our team can help you.
Earwigs range in size from ¼-1 inch long. They have elongated, flattened bodies that vary in color from pale brown with dark markings to reddish brown to black. Earwigs have six legs and threadlike antenna that measures about half of their body length. Most notably, however, are the pincers that protrude from the back of their abdomen. Earwigs also have two pairs of wings, with their hind wings usually folding underneath their front wings. These body parts typically have a leathery appearance to them. Not all earwig species fly, and those that do only do so in short bursts.
Contrary to European folklore, earwigs do not crawl into your ears and eat brains at night. However, some species produce a foul-smelling liquid as a self-defense mechanism, and their menacing appearance can be alarming. In any case, earwigs actually pose a greater threat to garden plants, rather than people.
While their pincers are used primarily to aid in reproduction, hunt prey and for defense, earwigs will pinch you if they are picked up and agitated. While the pinch can sometimes be painful, no venom is transferred, and the pinch rarely breaks the skin. Additionally, earwig pincers do not spread disease.
In order to get rid of earwigs or prevent an infestation, you should remove harborage sites such as leaf piles, mulch piles or other vegetation on their property. You should also consider moving objects such as firewood piles and logs away from the home, thereby creating a perimeter around the house that is free of organic material.
Furthermore, any trees or shrubs that cause damp, shady areas around the house should be trimmed. In order to ensure proper water drainage, check to make sure gutters and downspouts drain away from the home. This will help prevent any moisture build up that might attract earwigs. You can try to eliminate earwigs on your own, but this can prove to be much easier said than done. Our knowledgeable team knows exactly how earwigs operate and the best methods of removing them from your property. Contact Ready Pest today to put our years of experience to work for you.
Any unwanted pest in your home can be a nuisance, especially if they bite humans or are destructive of your property. Although earwigs are not hazardous, they are still invasive and can understandably make you uncomfortable in your home. Let Ready Pest Control help you with your earwig control needs today. Contact us to learn more.
