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Earwig Identification & Prevention

What are earwigs?

Earwigs are pests that primarily live outdoors and make themselves at home in our gardens and flowerbeds. Outside in small numbers, they usually aren’t a problem, but when their populations grow too large, or they decide to move into our homes or garages, they become a problem.

Earwigs have a long reddish-brown body, biting mouthparts, and most have wings but do not fly. To defend themselves from each other and other insects, earwigs have "cerci" that extend from the end of the abdomen. These pincer-like appendages cause most people to be unnecessarily wary around these pests.

Are earwigs dangerous?

Though earwigs are common agricultural pests, they don’t typically cause much damage to plants. They are also not physically harmful to people, nor do they spread diseases.

One of the biggest reasons finding earwigs in our homes makes us nervous is that if they have found a way inside, so can other more problematic pests. Their presence can also indicate a moisture problem. Leaky pipes, dripping air conditioners, and poor drainage can result in water buildup and attract earwigs and other moisture-loving pests.

Why do I have an earwig problem?

Our yards provide earwigs with plenty of food, moisture, and shelter, which is why they are such a common sight in and around our homes. Unlike other pests, earwigs don’t wind up in our homes searching for food, but because their outdoor habitat has become too hot, dry, or wet for them to live comfortably. They typically move inside at ground level; common entry points include the foundation, vents, and spaces under doors. Earwigs will then congregate in kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and under sinks and around tubs.

Where are earwigs commonly found?

You won’t find earwigs inside of our ears like a popular old wives tale states. Where you will discover them are dark, damp areas that provide easy access to their favorite foods; mold, fungi, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and leaves. Places where earwigs regularly gather on our properties include:

The damp soil under mulch in gardens and flower beds.
Under woodpiles and landscaping ties.
Under trash cans and recycling bins.
Basements and crawl spaces.
Within folded clothing or boxes.

How do I get rid of earwigs?

Remove pesky earwigs from in and around your home with the help of the pest professionals at Anthem Pest Control. Servicing Greater Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Greenville, we are a local pest control company that understands the needs of home and business owners in our region. We are committed to eliminating pests and providing our customers with some peace of mind knowing we will solve their pest problems. To learn more about the effective pest control services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, reach out to us today.

How can I prevent earwigs in the future?

Ridding your property of earwigs is best done with the help of an experienced professional. In addition to partnering with the team at Anthem Pest Control, the following tips will help you make your property less comfortable to earwigs:

Use dehumidifiers in basements, crawl spaces, or other damp areas of your home.
Make sure kitchens and bathrooms are well ventilated to help reduce excess moisture in your home.
Don’t allow woodpiles, leaf piles, and other yard debris to build up next to your home.
Cut shrubs and bushes back away from your foundation that provides shade and retains moisture near your home.
Reduce boxes and other clutter in storage areas like basements or closets that earwigs will use as a gathering spot.