Earwigs are insects that can be identified in various Californian settings by their characteristic pincers on the abdomen. Earwigs consume mites, aphids, and other tiny insects, which helps them naturally manage pest infestations in gardens and other areas. Their predatory behavior aids in maintaining ecological balance, eliminating annoying bugs found in and around your property. However, earwigs can also be a nuisance in houses, especially in wet or damaged spots, leading to health and hygiene issues and costly property damage.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about earwigs, including information about their natural habitats, lifecycle, reproduction, and common myths surrounding this pest. Furthermore, we will list some preventive measures you can take to get rid of earwigs.
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are small insects belonging to the Dermaptera insect family. They can be recognized by their pincers, which resemble forceps, and their elongated bodies. Here’s a fun fact about the origin of the name “earwig”: The belief that these insects may crawl into human ears gave rise to the Old English word ‘ēarwicga,’ which means ‘ear creature.’ Eventually, this term evolved into the modern English word ‘earwig.’ It’s important to note that earwigs prefer damp, protected areas rather than inside human ears, dispelling this urban legend.
European earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are the most common type of their species, often found in gardens and indoor spaces throughout Europe and North America. In warmer areas, you may encounter the ring-legged earwig or the desert-dwelling striped earwig, with distinctive stripes on their body.
The life cycle of an earwig consists of three distinct phases: egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay about 20–80 white or cream-colored eggs in a damp, concealed location.
Earwigs’ Natural Habitat
Earwigs can be found in various habitats but prefer places with moisture and cover. In gardens, you might discover earwigs hiding under mulch, rocks, or logs. They are mostly active at night but seek shade and moisture during the day in these hiding spots. Earwigs may also infest homes, especially in damp or decaying areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Outdoor spaces such as sheds and garages, especially in areas with gaps, holes, or a lot of organic matter, can also be ideal homes for earwigs.
Additionally, earwigs thrive in damp environments and are commonly found in compost heaps, leaf litter, and beneath tree bark. These environments provide a constant water source and a rich supply of nutrients found in decomposing plant matter and small insects.
What is an Earwig’s Diet and Feeding Habits?
Earwigs are omnivores, which means they eat a wide variety of foods, including those from plants and animals. Their dietary habits can be helpful or troublesome, depending on the situation. Earwigs eat insects, fungi, and rotting plant matter, which helps recycle nutrients into the soil. They also consume edible plant parts such as fruits, leaves, and flowers. In gardens, earwigs act as natural pest controllers by feeding on plant debris, aphids, mites, and other tiny arthropods. Their diet may change based on availability and environmental conditions. During food shortages, earwigs consume various organic food items, including leftovers.
A Note on How Earwigs Impact Gardens and Crops
Earwigs play a complex role in gardens and crop fields. They help control pests like aphids, reducing the need for chemical insecticides and supporting the garden’s overall health. However, they can cause damage in agricultural fields by chewing on delicate shoots, leaves, and blossoms, particularly in crops such as strawberries, maize, and lettuce.
It is important for gardeners to find a balance between harnessing earwigs’ pest-controlling benefits and controlling the potential harm they can cause to plants. Understanding their diet and consumption patterns is crucial for effective pest control, ensuring they contribute positively to garden ecosystems without causing significant damage.
3 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Earwigs
Like other insects, earwigs have been the subject of numerous myths. Whether you’ve been asking, “Do earwigs bite?” or “Are earwigs dangerous?” here are 3 of the most widespread misconceptions about earwigs:
1. Earwigs enter the human ear canal
One common misconception is that earwigs cause pain or damage by crawling into people’s ears as they sleep. Perhaps this urban legend originated from the fact that these insects are most active at night and like to hide in dark, isolated places. However, the theory that earwigs deliberately enter ears is unsubstantiated by scientific data.
2. Earwigs are venomous and toxic
Another common misunderstanding is that earwigs may inject unsuspecting people or animals with pincers full of poison or venom. Although earwigs utilize their pincers for defense and prey capture, their venom or poison is not dangerous to humans.
Earwigs don’t produce poisonous compounds. Therefore, their pincers serve two main purposes: protecting themselves from predators and grabbing tiny insects and other food. An earwig’s pinch may be painful, but if you’re wondering if earwigs are dangerous, the answer is that they are not harmful beyond causing minor discomfort.
3. The human brain is a breeding ground for earwigs
The idea that earwigs can cause major health problems or even death by laying their eggs in the human brain is a far-fetched myth. It is common for earwigs to deposit their eggs in damp areas, such as dirt or decomposing organic stuff.
Signs of Earwig Infestation
If an earwig infestation is not caught early, it can cause trouble to the inhabitants of a property. While earwigs don’t often hurt people, they can still be annoying and disrupt your schedule. Here are some warning signs to watch out for if you suspect an earwig infestation:
1. Sighting Earwigs: The presence of earwigs is an obvious sign of an infestation. Earwigs are nocturnal and can be seen scurrying away when the lights are turned on at night. You can find them in dark, humid places such as kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
2. Damage to Plants: Check your houseplants regularly for signs of damage. Earwigs consume a variety of plant parts, like flowers and leaves. Look for chewed or damaged leaves near the base of the plant, where earwigs often hide.
3. Presence of Shed Exoskeletons: As they mature, earwigs shed their exoskeletons. Finding tiny, see-through flakes around your home, especially in areas frequented by earwigs, could be a sign of an infestation.
4. Damp Areas: Since earwigs feed on moisture, infestations are often found in wet or humid areas. Look for them in dark, damp places like under sinks, near broken pipes, in crawl spaces, and around air conditioners.
5. Unusual Smells: Earwig infestations can also be noticed through a musty or unpleasant smell. This smell might be from earwig poop, dead bugs, or organic matter breaking down in areas where they gather.
6. Paper and Fabric Damage: Earwigs feed on paper, cardboard, and natural fiber textiles like cotton and linen. If you notice earwig bite marks or unusual holes in paper or cloth, it might indicate an earwig infestation.
If you discover or suspect an earwig infestation in your home, it is important to take immediate action. If the infestation does not improve, seek advice from a local pest control company, such as Preventive Pest Control.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs
With preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of earwig infestations in your home and garden. Use the following tips to minimize encounters with these nocturnal insects and mitigate the potential harm they may cause.
For Homes:
1. Seal Entry Points
Check for earwigs in your house by regularly inspecting cracks, gaps, and openings that earwigs could use to get inside. Seal any potential entry points with caulk or weather stripping.
2. Reduce Moisture
Earwigs are drawn to damp environments, so decreasing moisture levels in and around your home can deter them. Repair leaky pipes, enhance ventilation in damp areas like basements and bathrooms, and use a dehumidifier if needed.
3. Remove Debris
Keep your home and yard free of clutter, debris, and organic material that could be hiding spots or food sources for earwigs. Regularly clean and declutter areas such as basements, garages, and outdoor storage sheds.
4. Use Yellow Light Bulbs
Consider using yellow or sodium vapor outdoor light bulbs instead of white or fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs are less appealing to earwigs and can help reduce their presence around your home.
For Gardens:
1. Tidy Garden Beds
Keep garden beds neat by removing weeds, fallen leaves, and other organic debris where earwigs might hide during the day. Cultivate the soil regularly to disrupt earwig habitats and expose them to predators.
2. Mulch Carefully
While mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, it can also provide hiding spots for earwigs. Use mulch sparingly and avoid placing it directly against your home’s foundation, which could attract earwigs indoors.
Safe Removal and Control Methods for Earwigs
If you discover an earwig infestation in your home or garden, there are several safe and effective methods for removing and controlling it:
- Manual Removal: Use a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove earwigs physically from indoor areas. For outdoor spaces, hand-pick earwigs and dispose of them in a sealed container or bucket of soapy water.
- Traps: Set traps using rolled-up newspaper, cardboard tubes, or inverted flower pots filled with damp newspaper or straw. Check the traps regularly and remove any trapped earwigs.
- Natural Predators: Provide habitat and food sources in your garden to encourage natural predators of earwigs, such as birds, toads, and ground beetles. These predators can help keep earwig populations in check.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home or garden to create a barrier that earwigs must crawl through. Diatomaceous earth is a natural, abrasive substance that can help control earwig populations by damaging their exoskeletons.
- Insecticides: If non-chemical methods are insufficient, consider using insecticidal sprays or dusts labeled for earwig control. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use caution when applying insecticides, especially in areas where children or pets frequent.
Hire Preventive’s Earwig Exterminators
To control earwig populations in your garden and home, it’s essential to be knowledgeable about these pests and how they behave. The ideal conditions for earwigs to flourish are damp, gloomy places rich in organic matter. When controlling these pests, prevention is key. Seal any access spots, minimize moisture, and maintain cleanliness to prevent and eliminate earwigs from your property. Human intervention, traps, the use of diatomaceous earth, and the promotion of natural predators are all examples of safe eradication strategies.
If you’re facing an earwig infestation on your property and can’t seem to get rid of it on your own, it’s time to seek professional help from an expert pest control service like Preventive Pest Control. With our affordable pricing and convenient subscription plans, you can finally stop worrying about unwelcome pests breeding in your house. With years of knowledge and advanced strategies, the Preventive Pest Control team in Southern California will handle your earwig problem and ensure that your home remains pest-proof year-round.