Earwigs
Latin Name: Dermaptera
Earwigs, those small, elongated insects with intimidating pincers at the rear of their bodies, are a common pest that can occasionally find their way into your home. Despite their creepy appearance, earwigs are largely harmless to humans, but their presence can be unsettling, especially when they start to invade in significant numbers.
Identifying Earwigs
- Appearance: Earwigs are dark brown or reddish-brown, typically about 1/4 to 1 inch in length. Their most distinctive feature is the pair of forceps-like pincers (cerci) at the back of their abdomens, which they use for defense and capturing prey.
- Behavior: These nocturnal insects are scavengers, feeding on a variety of organic materials, including decaying plants, fungi, and sometimes other insects.
Why Earwigs Enter Homes
Earwigs are attracted to moist, cool environments and will often wander into homes searching for shelter when the outdoor environment becomes less hospitable. Common reasons they enter your home include:
- Seeking Shelter: During hot, dry summers or heavy rains, earwigs may move indoors to escape extreme conditions.
- Moisture: Homes with high humidity or areas prone to moisture, such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, are particularly inviting to earwigs.
- Outdoor Attractants: Mulch, leaf piles, and overgrown vegetation near the foundation of your home can harbor earwigs, increasing the likelihood they'll find an entry point.
- Entry Points: Earwigs can slip through cracks in doors, windows, foundation gaps, or poorly sealed vents.
Preventing Earwig Infestations
Keeping earwigs out of your home involves eliminating the conditions that attract them and sealing potential entry points:
- Reduce Moisture: Fix leaks, use dehumidifiers, and ensure proper ventilation in humid areas.
- Clear Debris: Keep mulch, leaf piles, and organic debris away from your home's foundation.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect and seal any openings around doors, windows, and the foundation.
- Exterior Lighting: Use yellow or sodium vapor lights outdoors, as these are less attractive to earwigs and other insects.