Earwigs

Dermaptera
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What do earwigs look like?

earwig on a flower outside a new jersey home looking for an entry point

One of the most unique features of the earwigs is the “cerci” or pincher-like appendages that come off of their hind end. The females have curved cerci and the males have straight cerci. Adults grow to between ¼ and 1 inch in length, their brown legs are lighter in color than their reddish brown body.

Other distinguishing features include a pair of very long thread-like antenna that is almost half of their body length and their four wings- two short front wings, and two long hind wings.

Are earwigs dangerous?

Earwigs look much more threatening than they actually are. Earwigs are nuisance pests that if being directly handled by a person may give a slight pinch, but they pose no real physical harm to people or pets. Also, they are not known to carry or transmit diseases that can harm people; and they don’t cause any structural damage inside of homes.

Besides appearance there is a very old myth that causes some people to have a fear of these insects. The completely untrue myth claims that these insects crawl into the ears of sleeping people to lay their eggs in their brain.

Why do I have an earwig problem?

Earwigs are pests that “occasionally” find themselves inside of homes and other buildings. Earwigs live outside in areas that are damp and dark, if the weather becomes too hot and dry for their liking they may migrate inside through spaces found in the foundation or underneath of doors. Inside of homes they congregate in damp dark areas like closets, basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Earwigs can also accidentally be brought into your home on the bottom of potted plants, newspapers, or delivered packages.

Can I control earwigs?

Earwigs hide in the dark hard to reach areas of your home so the best way to get rid of earwigs from your home is to contact a pest control professional that has the know-how to find and get rid of these nuisance pests. The experienced pest control professionals at Arrow Pest Control have the training and knowledge needed to quickly and safely find and eliminate all the earwigs that are hiding in your home through our residential service options. If earwigs have decided to invade your New Jersey home, contact the dedicated pest professionals at Arrow Pest Control today!

How do I make my property less attractive to earwigs?

There are several steps that you can take to deter and keep earwigs from visiting the inside of your New Jersey property.

  • Caulk any cracks and crevices that are found present in the foundation of your home.
  • Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
  • Leave a stone barrier between any grass or mulch and your home’s foundation.
  • Remove piles of leaves and grass clippings from your property.
  • Place de-humidifiers in the basement to eliminate the moisture from your home that they are seeking.
Thomas N.

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Thomas N.
Monroe, NJ
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