Earwigs: Identification, Behavior, and Treatment

Scientific Name

Order: Dermaptera

What Do Earwigs Look Like?

Earwigs have a distinctive appearance that makes them easy to recognize:

• Color: Dark brown or black with a reddish hue.

• Size: Typically between 0.5 to 1 inch long.

• Shape: Long, slender bodies with two prominent pincers (forceps) at the rear.

• Wings: Some species have wings, but they rarely fly.

Where Are Earwigs Found?

Earwigs prefer dark, damp environments and are commonly found in:

• Gardens and Flower Beds: They hide under mulch, leaves, and stones.

• Basements and Crawl Spaces: Earwigs often enter homes seeking moisture.

• Bathrooms and Kitchens: Leaky pipes and damp areas attract earwigs.

• Outdoor Lights: Earwigs are attracted to light and may gather near exterior lights at night.

Signs of an Earwig Infestation

Here are some signs that you may have an earwig problem:

• Sightings: Seeing earwigs indoors or around the exterior of your home.

• Damage to Plants: Earwigs feed on plants, leaving holes in leaves, flowers, and vegetables.

• Presence in Damp Areas: Finding earwigs in basements, bathrooms, or other moist areas.

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

Despite their intimidating appearance, earwigs are generally not dangerous:

• Bites: Earwigs rarely bite humans, and their pincers are used primarily for defense and mating.

• Damage to Property: While they don’t cause structural damage, earwigs can harm plants and flowers in gardens.

How to Prevent Earwig Infestations

Preventing earwigs requires reducing moisture and eliminating their hiding spots:

• Reduce Moisture: Fix leaky pipes, use dehumidifiers, and ensure proper ventilation in basements and crawl spaces.

• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations, and seal them to prevent earwig entry.

• Clear Outdoor Debris: Remove mulch, leaves, and other organic matter from around your home’s foundation.

• Turn Off Outdoor Lights: Reduce outdoor lighting to minimize attraction.

Candor Pest Control’s Earwig Treatment Process

At Candor Pest Control, we offer comprehensive earwig treatments to keep your home and garden free from these pests. Our process includes:

1. Inspection: We conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify earwig hiding spots and entry points.

2. Targeted Treatments: We apply safe and effective treatments to eliminate earwigs from your home and garden.

3. Sealing Entry Points: We provide recommendations to seal cracks and gaps to prevent future infestations.

4. Ongoing Prevention: Our team offers tips and advice to keep earwigs from returning.

Why Choose Candor Pest Control for Earwig Control?

• Local Expertise: We understand the unique pest challenges in the Treasure Valley area.

• Family-Owned Business: We care about protecting your home and family from pests.

• Guaranteed Results: We stand by our earwig treatments with a customer satisfaction guarantee.