top of page
  • yikespest

Earwigs 101: What they are and how to get rid of Earwigs from your Evansville home



Earwig Yikes Pest Control
Earwig



What they are and how to get rid of Earwigs from your Evansville home

Earwigs are a common household pest that can be difficult to get rid of. They are usually found in moist environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They can be identified by their pincers, which they use to catch prey. They feed on a variety of things, including decaying organic matter, insect larvae, and pet food.


Earwigs thrive in moist environments because the dampness sustains them with moisture so they don't have to drink water like other insects do. Earwigs also prefer dark places where it is hard for humans to see them for this reason too. However earwigs can show up anywhere from your kitchen sink or bathtub drain all the way up into your attic space if there's enough access via cracks or gaps in the foundation.


Earwigs are typically dark brown or black, but like most things they come in different colors, such as reddish orange and even green! They also have wing-like appendages on their backs that allow them to fly short distances at high speeds, which is how they manage to spread to other areas of your home.


Earwigs can be difficult to get rid of because they are nocturnal, which means that during the day they will hide away in dark places or under things where it's moist and hidden from humans.



What earwigs eat and what they do


Earwigs are not particularly harmful to humans, but they can be a nuisance. They can invade your home in large numbers and they can be difficult to get rid of. The best way to get rid of earwigs is to identify and remove their food sources. You can also try using a pesticide or an insecticide.


The earwig's most recognizable feature is its large pincers that it uses to catch prey. It can also use them to defend itself against predators, although it only rarely has to do this. The earwig usually eats decaying organic matter, but they will eat other things if their preferred food isn't available. They are capable of eating many types of insects, especially insect larvae. They also eat pet food and other things that are rich in protein. They will even eat meat if they can find it.


Earwigs like moist environments, which is why they tend to invade homes. This makes the kitchen and bathroom good places for them to live (if you want earwigs to stay away from your home, you should fix any leaks). They can also be found outside under rocks and logs.



How to identify an earwig

Earwigs can be easily identified by their large pincers. They are also relatively easy to catch, so you can get a good look at them. They are usually dark brown or black in color and they have a smooth shell. They are about 1 inch long and they have six legs. They move very quickly, so it can be difficult to catch them.


If you see an earwig in your home, the best thing to do is remove its food source. If there is a leak, you should fix it. You can also prevent them from getting into your home by sealing any cracks or crevices with caulk. If the earwigs are already in your home, you can use an insecticide to kill earwigs.

Earwigs tend to invade homes in large numbers. This makes them more of a nuisance than anything. They usually come into houses through cracks and crevices near the foundation of the building.





Why you need to get rid of earwig populations from your home


Earwigs can be a nuisance in your home. They can be difficult to get rid of and can often find their way into damp, dark areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. They can be identified by their pincers, which they use to catch prey. They feed on a variety of things, including decaying organic matter, insect larvae, and pet food.


While earwigs aren't typically known to bite humans, they can cause irritation if they come into contact with your skin. They can also damage your belongings by chewing on them. If you have an earwig infestation, it's important to take action to get rid of them.




Prevention tactics for getting rid of earwigs infestations and what attract earwigs


There are a few things you can do to prevent earwigs from invading your home in the first place. One of the most important things is to keep your home clean and free of clutter. Make sure to clean up any spilled food or drink, and store pet food and garbage in sealed containers.


To prevent earwigs from entering your home, make sure to seal any cracks, holes, or crevices in kitchen cabinets or underneath counters. You can even do this with exterior doorways if earwigs are a common pest in your area.


If you think an infestation is already underway, clean up any food crumbs and move the pet's food bowl away from the wall. It's also a good idea to store your pet's food more carefully as well.


Remove leaf litter or debris from the yard. Earwigs won't want to cross an open area of dry soil or pavement, so getting rid of any large piles of leaves will keep them out.

Traps , although largely ineffective, can be used to monitor earwig activity in your home.


Top ten ways o keep Earwigs out of your Evansville Home.



10) Eliminate moist hiding places. Earwigs prefer dark moist areas to stay cool and safe. Clean up any water leaks, which can potentially harbor these pests. Fix leaky pipes and keep the area dry.


Having a dehumidifier on hand can also help to eliminate these pests.


9) Keep food covered and off the floor. Food that is not properly stored or that falls onto the floor can attract Earwigs and other pests. Clean up any food crumbs, and make sure all countertops and tables are kept free of clutter and debris.


8) Block off any entrances. Earwigs are known to enter homes through cracks in the foundation, windowsills, and doors. Fill in all holes that are more than 1/4 inch wide with steel wool or caulk. You can also consider using weather stripping on your door to block out these pests.


7) Remove pet food. Earwigs are drawn to pet food, since it is often left out on the floor or in a feeder overnight. Make sure that there are no bowls of food out on counters or floors at night, and clean up any dropped crumbs right away.


6) Get rid of decaying plants/vegetation nearby. All kinds of plants can attract Earwigs. While having a few houseplants around the home might look nice, it may also invite these pests in. If there are dying or dead plants or flower beds nearby, clean up any debris that has been left behind to get rid of potential sources of food for Earwigs.


5) Use a vacuum. If you see Earwigs in your house, try to vacuum them up. This will not only help to quickly remove them from your home, but it will also prevent them from potentially gnawing on wiring or spreading into other areas.


4) Remove fallen trees and plants nearby. Having dead or dying trees around the home can lead to a buildup of decaying vegetation, which can attract Earwigs. If there is a tree branch hanging low over the home, trim it back so that it does not hang near any of your doors or windows.


Yikes Pest Control Logo
Call or Text 812-604-7206


3) Tighten up exterior entryways. If you have a crawlspace or basement that you enter from outside, try to get rid of any vegetation or rocks that are stacked near the entrance. Rocks and other debris can be used as shelter by Earwigs, so it is best to remove them completely.


2) Use sticky traps. These are typically placed upright along baseboards and under cabinets where they cannot easily be seen. When these pests cross over the adhesive surface on the traps, they get stuck and can be removed.


1) Use insecticides. There are a variety of different options that you can choose from when it comes to getting rid of Earwigs. Just consider your personal preferences and how safe the chemical is around food before making a purchase.


Earwigs are a common household pest that can be difficult to get rid of. They are usually found in moist environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They feed on decaying organic matter, insect larvae, or pet food which makes them hard to detect until it is too late. Be sure to clean up any spills or clutter around your home if you want to keep these pests away! If earwigs have invaded your home for whatever reason, there are many different remedies available including traps- although largely ineffective-can be used with success when monitoring the activity of earwig populations inside homes. The most important thing is cleaning up spilled food or drink and storing anything edible in sealed containers so they don't make an appetizing meal for these critters. Have more questions? Give Yikes Pest Control a call!



6 views0 comments
bottom of page