Earwigs are a type of pest known as “occasional invaders,” meaning that they aren’t likely to invade your home under normal circumstances. Instead, they invade homes in response to a change in the environment, such as a notable shift in temperature or because of a shortage of food. In either case, you must understand the basics of earwig control. Homeowners in The Woodlands should know about these pests and how to combat them.
In this article, we’ll go over some common signs of an earwig infestation, as well as how to identify these pests. Then, we’ll talk about the dangers these pests pose to your plants. After that, we’ll give you some practical tips to help keep earwigs away.
Finally, we’ll discuss the benefits of working with our team at All-Safe Pest & Termite to get rid of earwigs in your home for good.
Signs Of An Earwig Infestation: How To Detect The Problem
First, let’s talk about the signs of earwigs in your house. These insects don’t leave many clues about their presence, so it can be difficult to spot them. Aside from seeing the pests themselves crawling around, one of the only signs earwigs leave behind is the damage they cause to plants. Earwigs are attracted to light and water, so areas like outdoor patios, bathrooms, and kitchens are common places to find them.
Earwigs are usually a dark brown color. They have narrow, flattened bodies generally between ¼ to 1 inch long. They have six legs, two antennae, and a set of pincers on the backs of their abdomens. In the next section, we’ll answer an important question – “are earwigs dangerous?”
Earwig Problems: Harmless To You, Dangerous To Your Plants
Earwigs are menacing insects, but fortunately, they don’t pose any threat to you or your family. They don’t spread diseases, and contrary to the old European folktales, they don’t crawl into your ear at night while you’re sleeping. Earwigs may pinch if picked up or threatened, but these pinches aren’t usually strong enough to break the skin. The biggest threat earwigs pose is the damage they can cause to house and garden plants.
Next, let’s talk about what you can do to prevent an earwig infestation in your home.
Earwig Prevention Strategies: Natural Remedies That Work
As with most pests, the best way to ensure that earwigs don’t get into your home is to implement preventative measures to keep them away. Here’s how to keep earwigs out of your house:
- Seal any cracks or gaps in the exterior of your home.
- Trim trees and shrubs that grow too close to the house.
- Remove debris such as mulch, leaf piles, and loose vegetation on your property.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are working properly.
- Reduce excess moisture in and around your home.
Following these preventative measures, you should significantly minimize the chances of an earwig problem in your home. If you need help getting rid of these pests, don’t hesitate to contact All-Safe Pest & Termite.
Professional Pest Control: Long-Term Earwig Control
Since 1984, All-Safe Pest & Termite has been serving The Woodlands, providing top-notch pest control services to homeowners like you. We’re the largest independent pest control company in the area, and we are proud members of the Texas Pest Control Association and the National Pest Management Association. We’ve won a number of awards for our stellar customer service, and we’ve received thousands of five-star reviews from our customers.
When you need pest control services In The Woodlands, just contact All-Safe Pest & Termite.