Earwigs are often found in the garden causing damage to leaves as they eat their fill, but these pests soon become a nuisance when they enter homes. Addressing the situation with Sugar Land pest control services is the surest way to eliminate these creatures.
We've put together this handy guide to help you identify earwigs in your home, the problems they can cause, and how to keep them out.
How To Identify An Earwig
Earwigs come out at night and prefer to stay hidden in dark, hard-to-reach spots during the day. Earwig wings are more for appearances than flying since they aren't functional.
Most people identify these pests by their pincers, which they use to protect themselves from fellow earwigs and other bugs. There's no such thing as an earwig bug bite; they usually don't break the skin with their pincers.
When fully grown, earwigs in Sugar Land can measure anywhere from a quarter to one inch in length. Their bodies are elongated, slim, and have a reddish-brown hue.
The Problems Caused By Earwigs
While earwigs may seem harrowing to look at with their pincers, they are more bothersome than a serious threat. If you think that earwigs have invaded your house, inspecting the premises for any signs of water damage is a good idea. These creatures are often attracted to areas with moisture issues, and the damage they can cause includes:
- Garden damage: Earwigs feed on plant materials, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables. In gardens, they can cause minor damage by chewing on leaves, resulting in cosmetic issues or distortion.
- Food contamination: In rare cases, earwigs might contaminate food items if they come into contact with them. However, this is more of a rare occurrence than a common issue.
- Pinching sensation: Earwigs possess pincers, which they use for defense and capturing prey. An earwig pinch may cause slight discomfort if you handle them, but it is generally harmless and rarely breaks the skin.
It's important to note that earwigs are not associated with the spread of diseases to humans and are generally not considered a significant threat. If their presence becomes overwhelming or causes distress, seeking professional pest control assistance or employing preventive measures to minimize their entry into living spaces is advisable.
Simple Yet Effective Earwig Prevention Tips
The best way to stop an earwig infestation is to deter them from entering the home in the first place. Here are a few tips to keep earwigs out of the house:
- Use plastic containers with secure lids instead of cardboard boxes when storing items in moisture-prone areas of your home.
- Before bringing outdoor-stored items inside, carefully inspect them to ensure no earwigs are hitchhiking into your house.
- Regularly maintain and redirect rainwater away from your foundation by ensuring gutters are clean and flowing properly.
- Safeguard your home by sealing any gaps or cracks in the foundation and installing door sweeps on exterior doors to prevent earwigs from entering. Additionally, repair any damaged window or door screens.
- Prevent earwig entry through vents or drains by placing covers over them.
- Lower moisture levels within your home using dehumidifiers, as excessive moisture is a major attractant for earwigs.
Many of these tips for keeping your home earwig-free are by reducing moisture. Additionally, you can trim back vegetation near your foundation to minimize potential hiding spots for earwigs.
The Trick To Getting Rid Of Earwigs
To get rid of earwigs for good, we urge you to contact our Sugar Land home pest control professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite. Once earwigs invade your home in numbers, they often occupy hard-to-reach areas, and DIY methods, such as earwig repellent, only provide temporary relief.
Don't hesitate to contact our team at All-Safe Pest & Termite. Contact us today to learn more and take proactive steps in addressing earwig concerns on your property.