How Do I Get Rid Of Earwigs In My Denver Home?
If you're finding earwigs in or around your home, reducing excess moisture, eliminating hiding places, and partnering with a professional pest control company are the most effective ways to keep them under control.
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are nocturnal insects that feed on decaying organic matter, other insects, and soft plant material, making them both beneficial and destructive depending on their population.
The most common species found in the Denver area is the European earwig, which was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and eventually reached Colorado in the 1950s.
Adult earwigs are typically about 5/8 of an inch long with brown bodies, reddish heads, and a distinctive pair of forceps, or pincers, at the end of their abdomen. Although these pincers may look intimidating, they are primarily used for defense, mating, and capturing prey.
Earwigs commonly feed on aphids and other small insects, which can benefit gardens. However, when their numbers grow too large, they also feed on seedlings, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other soft plant tissue, causing noticeable damage to landscaping and gardens.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
No, earwig bites and pinches are not dangerous to people. One of the most persistent myths about earwigs is that they crawl into people's ears while they sleep and burrow into their brains. Fortunately, this story has no basis in fact. Although earwigs prefer dark, damp hiding spots, they have no interest in entering a person's ear.
Their nickname, "pincher bug," comes from the forceps on the end of their bodies. While they can use these pincers to defend themselves if they're handled or accidentally stepped on, the pinch is usually mild and does not pose any health risk. Earwigs are not venomous, do not spread diseases, and are generally considered harmless to people.
Why Do I Have Earwigs In My House?
Earwigs usually enter homes while searching for moisture, shelter, or protection from changing weather conditions.
Because they are nocturnal, earwigs spend the day hiding in cool, damp areas such as under rocks, mulch, dead leaves, or rotting logs. During periods of heavy rain, extreme heat, or cooler temperatures, they may accidentally find their way indoors through small openings around doors, windows, or foundations.
Once inside, they're often found in damp locations such as basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, beneath carpeting, or underneath potted plants. While they rarely establish large indoor infestations, their unexpected appearance can still be unsettling.
What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Earwigs In My Home?
The best way to get rid of earwigs is to reduce moisture around your home, eliminate outdoor hiding places, and work with a pest control professional if the problem persists.
Some homeowners have success using homemade traps made from rolled-up newspaper or cardboard placed in dark, sheltered areas. Commercial earwig traps that use food or scented attractants are also available. While these methods may catch some earwigs, they typically won't solve a large problem on their own.
For long-term relief, professional pest control is the most reliable solution. At Advantage Pest Management, our trained technicians perform a thorough inspection to identify where earwigs are living and why they're being attracted to your property. We then develop a customized earwig control plan that fits your home's needs and your budget.
Key Takeaways
- Earwigs may look intimidating, but they are generally harmless to people and are more of a nuisance than a health concern.
- They typically enter homes while searching for moisture or shelter from harsh weather and are most often found in damp, secluded areas.
- Reducing moisture, removing outdoor hiding places, and sealing potential entry points can help limit earwig activity.
- If earwigs continue to be a problem around your home, professional pest control can provide a long-term solution that targets the source of the issue.
If earwigs have become a problem around your property, your local Denver pest control company can help. Advanced Pest Management is a friendly, family-owned, family-operated business that takes pride in delivering top-quality pest control in Denver. Our experienced technicians have the knowledge and expertise to get your earwig problem under control and give you peace of mind.