Peak Season
While earwigs prefer to live in dark, damp places, they become more active as the ground warms up. Earwigs do not pose any serious health risks but can have some risks to your yard.
Species
Risk Factors
What Is an Earwig?
Earwigs are considered a small nuisance pest. Some of the common biological characteristics of earwigs include:
- Pinchers or forceps coming from the abdomen
- Very slender bodies
- Two pairs of wings
- Bown and black in color
Earwigs will live for about one year after hatching. Males and females will often live together about one inch deep in the soil.
Are They Dangerous?
Earwigs pose no serious health risks. While they do not bite or sting, you can be pinched if you pick them up. Earwigs can threaten plants and seeds in gardens as they make great food sources for these pests.
Where Are They Commonly Found?
Earwigs generally prefer wet areas that are cooler and undisturbed. If there is an adequate ground cover, wet soil, and food, the earwigs can be a big nuisance in gardens. While earwigs are active at night, during the day they hide in cracks in damp areas. Earwigs can be found under rocks, logs, and in mulch in flowerbeds. They might also hide under items like patio furniture, clothes, or sandboxes that are left outside. They are also attracted to light and can be a nuisance on patios and porches at nighttime.
Prevention
While earwig infestations are rare, there are some prevention tips to keep these pests out of your home. The most important aspect of controlling earwigs is eliminating their hiding places. Keeping landscaping elements like logs or stones away from the foundation of the building will help prevent them from getting inside. Trimming trees and shrubs that cause shade is also a good preventative measure.
