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Earwigs
Earwigs get their name from a European superstition that these insects enter the ears of a sleeping person and bore into the brain. this belief is totally unfounded! Earwigs are cousins of the cockroach and are predominantly an outdoor insect, but many find their way inside, especially during warm, dry weather.IdentificationEarwigs are elongated, flattened insects, ranging from light red-brown to black and are easily identified by their forcep-like appendages (pincers) on the end of their abdomen. adult earwigs are approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long.Life Cycle and HabitsEarwigs require moist, cool places and are found in mulch, flowerbeds, compost piles, under boards and woodpiles. They feed on mosses, algae, fungi, insects (alive and dead), and mites. Indoors they can be found in basements, crawlspaces, damp laundry, wet rags, cut flowers, luggage, stored newspapers, etc. after entering homes they feed on sweet, oily or greasy foods or houseplants. They are most active at night, and are attracted to light.PreventionBecause earwigs are attracted to moisture, homeowners can use gravel or ornamental stone in place of mulch around their home (this is helpful for many types of moisture-dependent insects). Rain gutters and downspouts should carry water away from the foundation. Changing you outside lighting from white lights to sodium vapor, neon, or mercury vapor can also help, as insects are less attracted to these than regular white lighting. Caulking and sealing foundation cracks and service entries can also help to exclude them.ControlExterior sprays of residual materials, concentrating on the foundation level, in the spring and fall of the year are the most effective means of control, and can eliminate earwig infestations. We offer a spring/fall residential service that is very effective for controlling earwigs and the majority of other insects that commonly invade homes. See our residential services page for more details.Call us at Monroe Pest Control Company, Inc. for a free inspection and estimate for your home today.
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