There are a few different kinds of pests you never want to see around your home, and earwigs are definitely on this list. While they may not pose quite the same home damage risks as similar insects like termites, they can damage plants and crops and can be an extreme annoyance if they invade your interior space – but luckily, knowledge of their common sources and causes of infestation can help prevent such issues.
At Logan Extermination, we’re proud to offer the best pest control and exterminator services you’ll find around Logan and nearby areas, including common insect solutions like spider exterminator services, ant exterminator services and more – and we commonly deal with earwigs as well, whether in our capacity as pest control specialists or lawn and yard care professionals. Here are some basics on earwigs and the problems they create, plus some of their common sources and infestation causes to be aware of.
Earwig Basics
For those who are unfamiliar, earwigs are a type of insect that are considered to be “occasional invaders.” This means they’re not necessarily always present in your household or living space, but may find their way inside during certain times of year or due to specific factors. Earwigs are distinguished by the pincers located on their abdomens, which can look intimidating but do not actually pose a threat to humans unless the person is allergic or has an adverse reaction.
One primary issue with earwigs is that they often gather in huge numbers, especially when it comes to outdoor areas like gardens and lawns – this is where most infestations start before moving indoors. They feed on plants and crops, and their presence can cause significant damage to these areas. They also have strong tendencies to find moisture, meaning they’re commonly found in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces.
Now, earwigs do not typically cause harm or prevent health risks to humans. But they can still be an annoyance and a sign of other issues on your property, which is why it’s important to address them quickly if you notice a presence.
There are a few potential causes or sources for earwig infestations on your property, which we’ll hit on in our upcoming sections.
Seeking Shelter
The most common cause of earwig infestations, as we noted above, is when they seek shelter in your home. This happens most often during the colder months when they look for warm, dry places to hibernate until spring arrives.
To keep them out, make sure all entry points like doors and windows are sealed properly and that any cracks or gaps in the foundation or walls are filled. Also, be sure to keep your home well-ventilated and relatively dry – this will help discourage earwigs from seeking shelter in the first place.
Attraction to Light
Another potential cause of earwig infestations is their attraction to light. This can be especially problematic at night when porch lights or other outdoor lighting is on. Earwigs may be drawn towards these sources and end up finding their way into your home as a result.
To prevent this issue, consider using yellow or sodium vapor lights instead of traditional white lights, as these are less attractive to insects like earwigs.
Moisture Problems
As mentioned earlier, earwigs are attracted to moisture – so if you have damp areas around your home or excess water pooling on your property, this could be a major factor contributing to an infestation. Addressing drainage issues and keeping gutters clean can help prevent water from accumulating on your property.
Looking for Food
In most cases, earwigs will try to feed on plants and other outdoor sources. But if these options are limited, they may turn to the inside of your home for food – especially in kitchens or other areas where crumbs and scraps might be present. Keeping a clean, crumb-free kitchen is a simple way to avoid this issue.
Conclusion
At Logan Extermination, we understand the frustration that comes with dealing with pests like earwigs. That’s why we offer comprehensive pest control services to help eliminate infestations and prevent future ones from occurring. Our team of experts will work with you to develop a customized plan tailored to your specific needs and property.
Trust us to take care of all your pest control needs so you can enjoy a pest-free home and yard all year long. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services, whether you’re in Logan or any nearby area!
