Some bugs are just plain creepy. Giant pincers, multiple eyes, freaky extra appendages; it’s easy to see why some people are afraid of bugs. While they might not actually be a threat to you or your property, there are certain insects that you just don’t want hanging around, and earwigs are at the top of the list. So, if you’ve been wondering about earwig control in Fort Worth, here’s what you need to know.
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are flat-bodied insects with a dark brown coloration that typically measures about one inch in length. They have a trademark pair of large pincers on their backside which makes them intimidating, if not downright scary to look at. Earwigs prey on plants and other insects and primarily use their pincers as a defense mechanism. Although those pincers look frightening, earwigs rarely bite, and even when they do, a bite from an earwig is often more of a pinch that doesn’t break the skin.
Like other household bugs such as spiders and cockroaches, earwigs find their way indoors in search of food and water. Moist, dank environments are an ideal habitat and earwigs can often be found under sinks, in house plants, under carpeting, or in cluttered areas and crevices in basements.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
They might look scary, but earwigs aren’t dangerous. They can cause damage to plants and paper material to feed their appetite for cellulose, but that’s about the extent of the threat they pose. And although their name might cause your imagination to run wild, there’s no reason to fear.
You might have heard that these bugs crawl into people’s ears at night while they sleep to feed on their brains and lay eggs or some other horrifying urban myth. But this simply isn’t true. There is no evidence of an earwig burrowing into a human through the ears, and these pests would much rather avoid humans as much as possible. Earwigs are no more likely to crawl into your ear than any other insect, which is to say, pretty darn unlikely.
How To Prevent Earwigs
Earwigs can enter your property due to a variety of factors. Chasing down every earwig in your basement is a thankless task and the best thing you can do to deal with earwigs is to prevent them in the first place:
- Seal cracks and crevices – Earwigs have flat bodies that allow them to squeeze through tight spaces. Look for openings around your foundation and seal with caulk. This also helps prevent other nuisance insects from entering.
- Address moisture issues – Make sure excess moisture isn’t accumulating around your property. Clear any drains or clogged gutters and remove wet or decaying debris such as leaf piles from your yard.
- Check boxes and bags – If you’re bringing home boxes or bags that have been in storage areas, warehouses, or basements, check for earwigs. Hitchhiking is one of the most common ways earwigs enter your property.
- Install a dehumidifier – Like sealing cracks in your foundation, installing a dehumidifier in your basement can reduce the overall population of pest insects on your property, including earwigs.
- Reconsider your gardening – Earwigs love the moist soil and cellulose-rich material provided by home gardens. Consider pulling your garden away from your home and switching to a cellulose-free mulch.
If you have earwigs on your property or are curious about what else you can do to prevent them, call the experts at White Knight Pest Control. Our experienced team can offer assistance with earwigs and a wide variety of other nuisance pests. With monthly pest control plans and one-time treatments available, we’ve got the tools and techniques to address your needs. Get in touch with us today.