Earwigs are one of the most common garden pests. Their sole purpose is to destroy the fruit of your labor (pun intended). They do so by gnawing on your plants and fruit. They may be, for the most part, innocuous to humans, but they sure are burdensome. Earwigs resemble some odd mixture between an aunt and a scorpion. They are intimidating with their large pincers, but plants should fear them the most. This article is mostly useful for identifying the signs and damage associated with earwigs. However, you’ll likely need a professional to handle the tasks of removing earwigs from your yard.
What Attracts Earwigs To Your Frisco Home?
Most earwigs prefer areas with moist soil. They enter homes by crawling through cracks and crevices. Earwigs can migrate from a bundle of newspapers or boxes. They are also attracted to the glow of lights.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
Where bacteria accumulate, earwigs thrive. As a result, earwigs are riddled with bacteria. Their bites can cause skin infections. The area may become inflamed. If left untreated, a pinch from an earwig can cause cellulitis. Symptoms of cellulitis are as follows:
- Skin that is sensitive to touch
- A rash that grows rapidly
- Oozing pus from the infected area
- A sensation of warmth around the infected area
- Chills
- Trembling
- Lethargy
- A lightheaded sensation
- Soreness
- Sweating all over the body
Despite this, earwigs, though they may look frightening, are typically innocuous to people. They are most notorious for their thorough destruction of gardens and homes. They feed on seedling plants and fruit, producing holes. Earwigs are especially fond of sweet corn and have been known to munch on flowers.
Earwigs are often confused with snails and slugs since the damage caused by all three can overlap. If a slime trail is absent, you are likely dealing with an earwig.
Controlling Earwigs on Your Own
If you do not want to opt for the slightly more expensive option, you may need to put forth a concerted effort to deal with earwigs on your Frisco property.
- Though this may require significant effort, you can trap earwigs - place traps throughout your yard, preferably near fencing or shrubbery. Cat food or tuna fish will suffice as bait. Fish oil attracts earwigs, the pungent scent quickly drawing them near. It is important to note that baits will garner few results if more alluring food sources are available for earwigs. An earwig can munch on some tuna fish, but it would much prefer to munch on your fresh fruit. This is why baits are only moderately effective.
- You can also remove safe havens for earwigs. Clean up the leaves, weeds, and mulches in your yard.
- To protect trees, scrape off all the loose bark from the lower trunk of the tree. Cover your trees with tanglefoot, a sticky substance, to prevent earwigs from climbing up.
Reach Out To The Experts At All-Safe Pest & Termite
Earwigs are innocuous nuisances with an inclination toward ruining your hard work. Don’t let earwigs ruin your garden and consume your fruit. These tips may go far in tackling a small earwig population. But, as is usually the case, larger infestations require professionals. You can attempt to tackle the issue independently, but you’ll find little success if these measures do not produce immediate results.
Don’t let earwigs disrespect your garden and gnaw on your fruit. Furthermore, although it is unlikely, earwig bites can cause severe cellulitis. Do not risk the health of your family. At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we have the tools and experience to completely solve your earwig problem, so you can get back to what matters, tending your garden. If you live in Frisco or the surrounding area, we have the solutions you need. Reach out to us today to learn more about our recurring pest control plans.