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 Earwigs 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 Earwigs 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.
Do Earwigs Damage Plants or Gardens?
Yes. Earwigs feed on leaves, flowers, seedlings, and decaying plant material. While they are not usually catastrophic, large infestations can damage garden plants and ornamental crops.
How Can I Prevent Earwigs in My Garden or Yard?
Effective prevention includes:
- Removing mulch, leaf litter, and debris near foundations
- Keeping gardens and flowerbeds free of excessive moisture
- Trimming tall grass and vegetation
- Sealing cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations
What Treatments are Effective for Earwig Pest Control?
Earwig pest control treatments can include:
- Baits and traps placed in areas of high activity
- Targeted insecticides applied to soil or perimeter areas
- Habitat modification to reduce moisture and hiding spots
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. Using our green technology, NaturZone’s Pest Control technicians can prevent these pests from entering, reduce the use of chemicals and keep pests out. Get a quote today.
