Being a homeowner in Bryan eventually involves dealing with pests that have snuck their way into your house. One of those pests is the earwig. Earwigs are insects that are mostly just an annoyance to your home. They're not the most pleasant insects to look at, and they do have pincers that can pinch your skin, though they rarely use them.
Having earwigs in your home is a sign that you may have some cracks and crevices around your house you need to repair. Have you found an earwig or two in your home, and you're not sure what to do? In this blog, we explain what an earwig actually is, whether or not they pose any danger to you and your property, and how to eliminate them properly with the best pest control in Bryan.
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are insects that range in size from 1/4 to 1 inch long. They are mostly dark brown, with long, narrow bodies. These little creatures do have pincers located at the back of their abdomen. An earwig pinch is not something you should concern yourself with too much, as they can't transfer diseases to you. They also have six legs and antennae that are about half the length of their body. Most people don't recognize this, but earwigs also have two pairs of wings; front and hind wings. Even with wings, earwigs will only fly a short distance, if at all.
Earwigs mostly live outdoors in large groups, but occasionally they find their way into your house. You can find them in piles of lawn debris or even tree holes.
If found in your home, they are likely out looking for vegetation to snack on to survive, which they commonly do at night because they're nocturnal.
Is It Dangerous To Have Earwigs In My House?
This funny insect got its name from a myth stating that they crawl into your ears at night; this isn't true. In addition to this myth, earwigs also don't spread disease. They can, however, produce a liquid when in defense mode that smells rather strange.
As per their pincers, earwigs will pinch if they feel threatened by you. For example, if you pick up an earwig, it might think you're about to kill it and, in defense, pinch you. Unlike some other insects, earwigs don't transfer any venom to you and rarely break through the skin when pinching. An earwig bite, or pinch, rather, will hardly hurt you.
Overall, earwigs pose a bigger problem to your garden plants than to you.
How Do I Get Rid Of Earwigs?
An earwig infestation in your house is not something anyone desires. Getting rid of earwigs is similar to keeping other pests out of your home. Some tips include:
- Seal any cracks and crevices around the exterior and interior of your home.
- Make sure all doors and windows have proper, updated sealing as well.
- Check that vents are working correctly and install mesh screens over drains.
- Use a dehumidifier in places like the attic or basement, where earwigs like to hang out.
- Sweep any cement flooring, such as in your garage, and be sure to moderate the temperature and humidity in this area.
After following these easy steps, your best bet for completely eliminating them from your home is to hire a professional to implement earwig control.
Call The Pros To Eliminate An Earwig Infestation On Your Property
Hiring a licensed pest professional is the best way to eliminate an earwig infestation on your property. At EnviroGuard, we make sure to carefully inspect your home for earwigs and other pests. We then set up a treatment plan with you and give you some tips on how to control the problem. If you're facing an earwig problem in your home, don't hesitate to call us today.