Earwigs

It has been said that there is one pesky pest in the insect community with the ability to burrow in your ears and lay eggs in your brain. What? This sounds like something straight out of a low-budget science-fiction thriller. Well, that’s exactly where it can stay because this is nothing more than a mere myth. While there are a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding earwigs, it is this one that is the most well-known.

Although the name earwig does represent burrowing into ears and laying eggs in the brain in many cultures and countries, this is likely just an explanation of how the creepy crawler garnered its much-vaunted name. Of course, this doesn’t mean the earwig is your friend and you want them lingering around your property. Along with their off-putting appearance and intimidating presence, your property is the last place you want to see this creepy crawler.

Your home is your sanctuary and it should feel like such. Spotting an earwig or two will certainly change all that. It doesn’t, however, need to mean the end of the world and comfort as you know it because we can help you take back your home.

What Exactly Is The Earwig?

The fight to take back your home starts with information. Learning as much as you possibly can about this tiny, little crawler that hails from the Dermapter Order. Most would classify the insect as having smooth, elongated bodies with forcep-like abdominal appendages. It is these appendages that give them their intimidating presence, and they are commonly referred to as cerci. The cerci are like pincers and more pronounced in the male of the species, possibly extending the entire length of the body.

Some species of the earwig can grow both a set of front and back wings, while there are some that come wingless. Regardless, even the ones with wings rarely choose to fly, although the ability is there if pressed. Both sets of wings are leathery and membranous, but as far as color goes, these creepy crawlers can range anywhere from red to dark brown. Most earwig species don’t ever reach above 1/2 inch, but there’s one specific order known as the Helena Giant Earwig that can grow to 3 inches in length.

 Not something you want to encounter on a cool, dark night.

What Are Earwigs Doing On My Property?

Unfortunately, the presence of earwigs around the property could spell a whole set of other problems. While these nuisances are overwintering pests, they are also commonly drawn to areas with high levels of moisture. If they are found in specific locations in the home, it could be a good indication of some underlying problem. Too much moisture in an area could indicate leaky pipes, standing water, or excessive humidity.

Whatever the situation, these are all conditions that require repairs. A simple dehumidifier might be the solution. In addition to all this, the earwig will make its way onto most properties at the end of fall, when the weather starts to turn a little colder. These are overwintering pests, which virtually mean they hibernate inside the home, in wall cavities and attics nearest facing the sun.

To top all this off, earwigs are nocturnal pests, meaning they only come out at night, making them even all that more difficult to detect and eliminate. This is where our professional pest management services come in. We are more than capable and willing to rid you of your earwig problem. All you must do is pick up the phone and give our local office a ring.

They Aren’t A Threat

Despite what you’ve learned about the earwig here today, these pests don’t really pose a physical threat. Yes, they can pinch but because of the placement of the cerci on the body, they can’t generate much force, leaving the experience virtually painless. No venom is transferred during the process, so this is even one less thing you must worry about.

They can be destructive to common garden vegetation and plants, on the other hand. They will attack delicate blossoms and ornamental plants with great ferocity, leaving a wake of mess in their path. They also feed or dying and decaying organic material, which is more helpful for the environment than you’d imagine, and why a lot of people consider the pest a useful one.

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