So, what are earwigs exactly? Like something out of Men in Black, earwigs are rather odd-looking creatures that look like they belong in outer space. Also known as pincher bugs, your average earwig is usually medium-sized and black or brown in color. 

More than twenty species of earwigs are found in the United States, and some of these species produce a foul-smelling liquid that they use as a defense mechanism. Earwigs have rather flat, chunky bodies and lobster-like forceps protruding from their bodies. 

These mid-body pinchers seem to be an earwig’s defining feature that tends to give people the heebie-jeebies. Luckily, these aren’t used to chew on human toes; these pincers are predominantly used to fight off rival earwigs. Did you know earwigs have wings too? But, they prefer to stay on the ground, as they aren’t very good at flying. 

What’s in a name? Well, according to an old wive’s tale, these critters are called earwigs because they burrow into the ears of people while they sleep. Yikes! Fortunately, this has proven to be nothing but a myth, and earwigs are (thankfully) not known to burrow into people’s ears.

Now that we’ve answered the question, ‘what are earwigs?’, next we’ll take a look at where you might find them and how to prevent them from becoming a pest in your garden or home.

Where Are You Most Likely To Find Earwigs?

For the most part, earwigs live outdoors and prefer wet areas that are cooler and undisturbed. If there’s adequate ground cover, damp soil, and food, earwigs can become a serious garden pest. They’re also fans of living under rocks and mulch and have been known to hide out in damp flower beds. Earwigs are active at night and tend to hide during the day. Like moths, earwigs are attracted to light. This means an earwig infestation can go even more wrong when they become a pain on porches and patios during the summer evenings. 

Earwigs normally move into our homes when there is a change in season or when they are looking for food. Like their preferred outside abode, earwigs prefer cool, damp areas where there may be water, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. However, they can turn up in almost every part of the house.

How To Prevent Earwigs in Your Home

So, how can you prevent earwigs from moving in? No need to panic. There are several things that you can do at home to prevent them from setting up camp.

Things You Can Do Outside Your Home:

  • Trim Overhanging Branches: Be sure to trim trees and shrubs that may cause any damp and shady areas near the house.
  • Reduce the Amount of Moisture: Remove any garden items that hold moisture underneath, such as woodpiles, rotten tree stumps, and leaf piles. 
  • Create a Boundary: Create a ‘safe zone’ next to the foundation that is free of mulch, dead leaves, and other damp material. This dry area should be between 6″ to 12″ wide so that earwigs will avoid it.
  • Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure gutters and downspouts drain away from your home’s foundation. 

Things You Can Do Inside Your Home:

  • Move Exterior Lighting: Adjust outdoor lights to shine away from your patio or outside area. This way, insects will be attracted away from the house. If this isn’t practical, consider switching white bulbs to yellow bulbs because white lights are more attractive to insects.
  • Dry Out Moisture-Prone Areas: Set up fans or dehumidifiers in damp areas such as your basement.
  • Seal Up Cracks and Crevices: In order to prevent any earwigs from creeping inside your home, cracks and crevices must be properly sealed.

Get The Professionals In

If you suspect you may be dealing with earwigs, give our professional Pest Control Unlimited LLC team a call. With comprehensive expertise and experience, you’ll get the proper treatment you need to rid your home of pesky earwigs. 

At Pest Control Unlimited, we’ll never provide a one-size-fits-all solution. We will always customize our services to suit your home and your pest problem specifically. We go the extra mile to address our customers’ needs and will listen to your concerns, study the situation carefully, and create a customized pest control approach. 

Rest assured, our expertly trained technicians understand and follow the latest and safest pest control methods and practices. And will do so with all the necessary COVID precautions in place. Whenever you need help, we’re only a phone call away at 888-649-9919. Contact us today and sort out your pest problem today!