How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Home and Yard

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Posted Mar 22, 2023

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Earwigs are common household pests that can be found in any part of the world. These creepy crawlers have elongated, flat bodies and pincers on their tails. Earwigs tend to hide in moist areas, such as under rocks or woodpiles, and they can easily find their way into your home through cracks and crevices. If you're dealing with an earwig infestation, it's important to take immediate action for earwig removal and prevention.

Earwigs are not only unsightly, but they can also cause damage to plants in your yard and garden. They feed on a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Earwigs can also cause damage to the bark of trees by feeding on the tender shoots and buds. Therefore, it's important to learn how to get rid of earwigs both inside your home and outside in your yard.

In this article, we'll provide you with some effective tips on how to get rid of earwigs in the home and yard. Whether you're dealing with a minor infestation or a major one, these tips will help you eliminate these pesky insects once and for all. From natural remedies to chemical treatments, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about earwig removal and prevention.

Spotting Earwigs: Indications They Might be Lurking Nearby

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Earwigs are nocturnal insects seeking cool, moist environments during the day. Although they eat outdoors, making indoor encounters rare, their presence can be alarming. One way to identify their presence is through their yellowish-brown secretion that emits a strong scent. If you notice this smell or see dead plants or dying vegetation around your home, it may be an indication that earwigs are lurking nearby.

Bright lights are an ideal time to spot earwigs as they are attracted to them and often found in areas that harbor bright illumination. Leaf piles and other debris that offer protection from hot air and moisture build-up are also a good place to find earwigs. If you have a garden or live near a wooded area, it's common to encounter these bugs, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.

Moist environments have a higher susceptibility of attracting earwigs due to their need for water build-up. If you suspect an infestation, it's important to act quickly before the problem gets worse. By taking preventative measures such as removing dead plants and debris from around your home and utilizing insecticides when necessary, you can effectively remove and prevent earwig infestations.

Eliminating Earwigs: Find Out What Kills Them

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When it comes to killing earwigs, there are several options available. Pesticides and traps are effective methods for earwig removal and prevention. Outdoor insecticides like Sevin, Malathion, and Pyrethrins can be used in small amounts on a single leaf or area where earwigs feeding begins. Traps traps can be made from wet cardboard or a sticky barrier placed around the perimeter of your home. Bright lights can also be used to attract earwigs to an area where you've trapped them.

If you prefer natural methods, going the pesticide route may not be your first choice. Instead, try organic substances like boric acid or diatomaceous earth sprinkle around areas where earwigs are commonly found. Boric acid powder can kill earwigs when they come into contact with it, but make sure pets aren't present when using this method. Diatomaceous earth is another effective natural option that works by drying out the exoskeletons of pests like termites, cockroaches, bed bugs and of course earwigs.

If you find that your attempts at eliminating earwigs aren't working out as planned, consider reaching out to pest removal services for professional help. You can easily find pest control experts online who you can trust by comparing ratings and reviews from previous clients. Whether you choose the pesticide or natural route, knowing what kills earwigs will help you keep them at bay for good!

Understanding Why Earwigs Invade Homes

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Why do earwigs invade homes? Well, these nocturnal insects typically come out during summer evenings when the weather is warm and humid. Earwigs are commonly found in moist areas like under rocks, logs, mulch, light fixtures, and other damp environments. During a dry spell, they may venture indoors in search of moisture.

Earwigs can be unwelcome visitors in your home as they can be found in places like the kitchen, bathroom or laundry area. They prefer to hide in dark and moist environments during the day and come out at night to search for food sources. If you want to prevent earwig infestations, make sure to keep your home clean and dry. Eliminate any standing water and reduce humidity levels by using dehumidifiers or fans. By doing so, you can help deter these pesky critters from invading your living space.

The Origin of Earwigs and How to Deal with Them

Earwigs are not exactly a big deal, but they can become a nuisance if left unattended. These insects are nocturnal creatures that thrive in compact moist environments, making them difficult to spot during the daylight hours when they tend to hide in wet dark spots. Earwigs have been around for millions of years and are believed to have originated from the tropics.

If you're consistently finding earwigs in your home, it could be an indication that there is a moisture issue present. Earwigs are attracted to damp areas and can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where there is excess moisture. To prevent earwig infestations, make sure to keep these areas dry by fixing leaks and increasing ventilation.

One way to deal with earwigs is by creating wood rot piles away from your home. This will attract the earwigs away from your property and give them a place to reside without disrupting your normal activities. Another option is to lay down traps made out of rolled-up newspaper or cardboard tubes filled with oatmeal or bran. Leave the traps out for 24 hours before disposing of them along with any captured earwigs. With these simple prevention methods, you can effectively eliminate an earwig infestation from your home.

Explore What's Inside: Your Guide to Navigating this Article

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Earwigs invade homes and gardens alike, and their menacing pincers make them a frightening sight. In this article, we'll cover 7 ways to kill and prevent earwigs from taking over your property. From using natural remedies to professional earwig pest control options, we've got you covered.

Have questions about earwig removal and prevention? Our frequently asked questions (FAQs) section will answer all the insect-bent queries you may have. Learn about these invasive pests' behavior, habitat, and what plants dead leaves they won't feast on.

Our featured partners are highly reputable companies with a BBB rating that offers services in various states. Their effectiveness guarantee ensures that you'll be satisfied with the results of their earwig pest control methods. So read on to learn more about how to keep your home free from these creepy crawlies!

What is the Appearance of Earwigs?

Earwigs are commonly recognized by their long flat bodies and menacing-looking cerci, which are actually harmless pincers used for defense and mating. They range from brown to black in color and can grow up to one inch in length. Despite their intimidating appearance, earwigs do not pose a threat to humans and are generally considered to be nuisance pests.

1. What Are Cerci?

Cerci are specialized appendages found on the rear end of earwigs that serve multiple purposes. There are over 1800 species of earwigs worldwide, with roughly 20 species found in North America. Earwigs are considered common pests, and their size and coloring can vary greatly depending on the species.

Cerci play a crucial role in defense mechanisms and courting males. The curved cerci on an earwig's body act as a weapon to fend off predators flying after them. Crossed cerci can also signal aggression or submission during courtship rituals. Some notable examples of earwig species and their distinct cerci include the European earwig Forficula auricularia, which has red-brown coloring and pale legs with long, curved cerci; the spine-tailed earwig Doru aceuleatum, which has yellow markings, a black abdomen, and yellowish legs with straight symmetrical cerci; the striped earwig Labidura riparia, which has lengthy antennae, light brown coloring with dark stripes on its thorax mid-section and occasionally dark cerci; the ring-legged earwig Euborellia annulipes found in coastal regions that has a dark brown appearance with light yellow legs marked by a lightly colored ring pattern; and finally, the maritime earwig Anisolabis maritima has a shiny dark brown or black appearance with long dark antennae and pale short legs. Its strongly curved asymmetrical cerci help it navigate through narrow crevices.

Understanding what cerci are is essential for anyone trying to prevent or remove these common pests from their homes or gardens. There are many ways to do so including hunting methods or using natural defense mechanisms like diatomaceous earth or essential oils.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kills earwigs bugs?

A variety of insecticides, such as pyrethroids and carbamates, can effectively kill earwigs bugs. Additionally, removing their preferred habitats, such as piles of moist debris or mulch, can help prevent infestations in the first place.

What will kill earwigs?

One effective way to kill earwigs is by using insecticides that contain pyrethroids, which can be found in many commercially available products. Additionally, reducing moisture and eliminating hiding places can help prevent infestations.

How to get rid of earwigs without resorting to insecticide?

One effective way to get rid of earwigs without insecticide is to create a trap using rolled up newspaper or cardboard placed in damp areas overnight, then dispose of them in the morning. Additionally, keeping your home clean and dry can prevent earwigs from being attracted to it.

Will Orange Guard kill "earwigs"?

Yes, Orange Guard is effective in killing earwigs as it contains natural ingredients that are toxic to insects.

Belle Gentile

Senior Writer

Belle Gentile is a passionate writer who loves to create engaging content that inspires and educates. She has always had a passion for storytelling, and her writing reflects her unique perspective on life. Belle's work covers a wide range of topics, from personal development to travel, health, and wellness.