What are earwigs and where did they get that ridiculous name? Well, long ago a myth was created that said these bugs would crawl into the ears of those who were sleeping and tunnel into their brains. Obviously, this turned out to be untrue, so now that we have that cleared up — here’s what you should know about this strangely named pest.
Breakdown
- Size: 1 inch
- Color: Dark brown
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Long and narrow body; 6 legs; long antennae; pair of clippers on backside
- Whereabouts: Found throughout the United States
What They Infest
Earwigs generally live outdoors under piles of mulch, debris, or in tree holes. They remain hidden during the daytime and will reveal themselves after the sun has set to feed on leaves, plants, flowers, fruit, mold, and even other insects! These creepy crawlers are more of a nuisance pest as they don’t carry disease or cause too much damage to your property. However, they can make their way into your home via cracks and holes in the envelope of your house. Earwigs tend to live together in large numbers so an infestation can be a lot to handle.
Pest Management
If you happen to notice an earwig population becoming more present in or around your home, start taking your lawn care more seriously. Remove any lawn debris, leaf piles, excess mulch, and untrimmed vegetation. You should also inspect the exterior of your home, sealing any cracks or gaps with the appropriate sealant or caulking. If there is still an earwig presence on your property, contact a professional pest management company.
Earwigs might be a pest with a silly name, but they should be taken seriously so you don’t end up with a house filled with them! When you need to manage an earwig infestation (or any other type of pest), contact Knockout Pest Control. To learn more or to schedule an inspection, give us a call at (800) 244-7378.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!
