There is arguably no pest as intimidating in name and appearance as the earwig. All it takes is one glance to know this insect means business. The question is, are they as dangerous as they look? Do the pinchers at their rear end hurt or are they just for show? To help you identify, eliminate, and prevent these pests around your Lincoln property, here is what you should know.
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are a local pest with a scary appearance. This pest is best identified by its beetle-like body, short wings, fast movements, and the long pincher-like appendage that protrudes from the tip of its abdomen. The typical adult earwig is dark brown or reddish-brown in color.
Thought to have originated from Europe, the earwig was not introduced to America until 1907 during the beginning of the plant nursery trade. From that point on, they have made a name for themselves as troublesome home and agricultural pests.
Do Earwigs Invade Homes?
There are some pests that invade homes because they want to and then there those that come inside out of necessity. Earwigs do not intrude upon living areas unless their life is in danger outside. You are most likely to find these pests trying to get inside during times of blistering dry heat or freezing cold. These pests will not try to come inside when it is raining hard as they thrive in moist environments and love it when the ground gets muddy.
When looking for ways to escape rough conditions outdoors, they look for damage or entry points in a home’s exterior to get inside. This includes gaps and cracks inside exterior foundations, rips and tears in window/door screens, spacing beneath doors, and open doors/windows.
The Problems Earwigs Cause
The question we are asked most frequently about earwigs is: “Do they actually crawl into people’s ears?" Fortunately, they do not. In fact, this was disproved over a century ago. The truth is, earwigs are harmless. Yes, they do have pinchers and yes, it does hurt when they get a hold on human skin, but beyond this, they pose no real medical threat. The problems these pests cause revolve around consuming and damaging agriculture. Around yards, earwigs infest gardens, chew irregular holes into leaves and flower blossoms, and damage seedlings and flowering plants. These pests are a huge problem for farmers of corn, beans, carrots, lettuce, and many other plants.
Prevention Tip For Earwigs
To keep earwigs out of your home, there are two things you have to do; address moisture issues and block off entry points. Here are some practical ways to make your property less accessible and attractive to these problematic pests.
- Fill in gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Repair damaged screening.
- Install or repair door sweeps.
- Fix leaky piping, fixtures, AC units, and appliances.
- Use a dehumidifier indoors.
- Eliminate sources of water build-up.
The Best Strategy To Keep Earwigs Off Your Property
Want to know the single easiest way to handle earwigs on your property? Hire the experts at Pro Active Pest Control. Our cost-effective options are designed to combat a wide range of area pests, protecting your garden, yard, and home from the problems they cause. With our help, you won’t have to wonder if earwigs will invade and cause trouble. Instead, you will know they will stay off your property where they belong.
Call our team today with any questions you have about pests around Lincoln and schedule your home for a detailed pest pressure evaluation and service visit.