Earwigs

What Is An Earwig?

An earwig is a small insect that belongs to the Dermaptera order of insects. They’re easy to identify because they have smooth, elongated bodies. Plus, they have cerci, which are horny appendages. You’ll notice that the cerci look like pincers. When dealing with male earwigs, they’re longer and curvier than what you’ll find with female earwigs. Furthermore, there are winged and wingless earwigs. There are many species, and their appearances differ slightly. Despite some having wings, earwigs rarely fly. Their bodies tend to be reddish in color or dark brown. You’ve likely heard the myth that earwigs can get into human ears and burrow into the brains to lay eggs.

Why Do I Have Earwigs?

Earwigs live in hot, dry areas. It is common for them to seek shelter inside during the summer months. If they’re able to find a way into your home, they’ll be able to take shelter in a warm, damp area so they can reproduce. This insect is nocturnal, so they’ll spend the day hiding. When they get inside residential dwellings, they’ll likely hide in kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. Once the sun goes down, they’ll come out to feed on plants, mites, and fleas.

If you’ve been dealing with a flea or mite infestation, there is a good chance that you have earwigs too.

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

The earwigs found in San Diego are usually not dangerous, but they are a nuisance. Earwigs can use their cerci to pinch humans. Nevertheless, they won’t be able to pierce your skin, and they won’t release venom. The biggest problem with earwigs is that they’ll destroy your household plants. They tend to target blossoms so they can eat the decaying organic matter.

How Can I Get Rid Of Earwigs?

Start by targeting the earwig population outside of your home. Light and moisture attract earwigs, so you’ll want to start by limiting both. You can try to block the light around your doors and windows. Once you’ve done that, you should target the moisture. Use a dehumidifier to take care of high humidity. You’ll want to switch to sodium vapor yellow lights because they’re not as attractive to insects. Finally, you should try to stop their entryways. Block all cracks and crevices so the earwigs cannot enter your home.

How Soon Can You Get Started?

Our company will rush to your home so we can take care of the problem promptly. We will arrive within 24 to 48 hours.

Are Your Treatments Safe?

Our professional team will use high-quality, reliable, and safe treatments to remove the earwigs. We use products that are registered with the EPA. Furthermore, our technicians are skilled and thoroughly trained. We’ll make sure that we get rid of your earwigs without posing a risk to anyone. If you’re worried about the risks, you should use our services.

Can I Prevent Future Earwig Infestations?

Preventing future earwig infestations can be difficult. Still, there are things you can do to limit the risks. For instance, eliminate moisture in and around your home. Furthermore, you’ll want to switch your lights to sodium yellow vapor lights because they’re less attractive. Seal all cracks and crevices using caulk too.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.