S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Occasional Pests » Earwigs:

Earwigs
Order Dermaptera
Color: Dark brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Long, narrow
Size: 1"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: No

Earwigs got their name from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people's ears and tunnel into their brains. But contrary to folklore, earwigs do not crawl into ears and eat peoples' brains at night and they do not spread diseases. But their menacing appearance can be alarming to a homeowner. They have a frightful appearance, move rapidly around baseboards at the ground level, and may emit a foul-smelling, yellowish-brown liquid from their scent glands.

These creatures, active at night while hiding during the daytime, normally live outdoors and do not establish themselves indoors. They are harmless to humans and animals, although if handled carelessly, the earwig can give a slight pinch with the forceps.

Serious feeding damage may occur on flowers, vegetables, fruits and other plants, giving the leaves a ragged appearance with the numerous, small, irregular holes. Also, decomposing organic matter is consumed. They are considered temporary pests in spite of the fact that they sometimes occur in large populations.

Prevention:

Reduce lighting around doors, windows and other potential entry sites.
Use yellow lights that are less attractive to insects instead of white.
Earwigs need and are very attracted to moisture, be sure to eliminate damp, moist conditions in crawl spaces under houses, around faucets, around air-conditioning units and along house foundations.
Use caulking compound, putty and weather stripping around doors, windows, pipes and other entry sites, especially at the ground level.
Change landscaping by creating a clean, dry border around the foundation, this will not only hamper earwigs but also ants and termites.
Remove nesting sites such as leaf piles, mulch piles or other vegetation.
Seal cracks and crevices well to prevent structural entry.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.