Earwigs are known for a lot of things, particularly their pinchers. But what are they? Do they actually crawl into people’s ears? Can an infestation be treated? If you’re looking for answers to your earwig and pest-related questions, look no further than All-Safe Pest and Termite. We offer top-of-the-line pest control in Fort Worth so that you can have a bug-free home.
What Do Earwigs In Fort Worth Look Like?
Earwigs are typically less than an inch long. They have elongated, flat bodies ranging from light brown to black in color. Only some earwigs can fly, and the ones that do are only able to in short bursts. An earwig’s most distinctive feature is its large pincher protruding from its back.
What Attracts Earwigs To Your Home?
The biggest reason earwigs—and other pests—try to live in your house is because they’re looking for food and shelter. Earwigs eat plants, including leaves, flowers, and fruit. They also eat mold and other insects. You’re more likely to see earwigs in your garden than in your house. Earwigs in Fort Worth prefer to spend the days in cold, moist areas. They like to be left undisturbed, so if you see one, it’ll probably run away and hide somewhere else. These insects are also attracted to lights so that they may approach a lit porch in the evenings.
Six Myths About Earwigs
Myths have surrounded earwigs for centuries. Let’s break some of them down.
Myth 1: Earwigs crawl in people’s ears
This is the most common earwig myth. People have believed for a long time that earwigs will crawl into people’s ears at night and burrow into their brains. But this isn’t true. Sure, sometimes bugs accidentally wander into a person’s ear and get stuck. It’s pretty rare, but it does happen. But earwigs don’t seek out human ears to hide in. And they definitely aren’t capable of getting to your brain.
Myth 2: Earwigs bite people
Earwigs do not maliciously bite people. Their pinchers are used for mating and hunting, not offensive attacks against humans. They might pinch defensively if picked up and disturbed, but even that rarely breaks the skin.
Myth 3: Earwigs are dangerous
Again, earwigs don’t bite. And even if they did, they don’t carry any diseases. They also don’t possess any venom so that they won’t cause lasting harm. They might not be great for your garden, but the most they’ll do to you is be annoying. And even then, earwigs can be beneficial since they eat other nuisance bugs.
Myth 4: Earwigs hunt during the day
Earwigs spend the daytime resting. Then at night, they go out and find plants or other insects to eat.
Myth 5: There are no natural ways to get rid of earwigs
There are plenty of natural options! Mixing vinegar or dish soap with water creates an earwig spray you can use. There are also ways to make homemade earwig traps that keep the bugs away from your plants and home.
Myth 6: Earwig infestations are hard to get rid of
Earwig infestations in your house can seem tricky, but that’s why professional pest control companies are an option. When preventative measures and home remedies aren’t enough, it may be time to call in a professional team.
How To Keep Your Home Earwig Free
When it comes to earwig control, sometimes you need extra help. That’s why All-Safe Pest and Termite offers earwig treatments for homes in Fort Worth. If you’re trying to get rid of earwigs, let us help. After a full inspection to find the source of the infestation, we’ll create a treatment plan that’s right for you. You don’t need to worry about these pests; let us handle them.