Someone should rename the earwig. Although people used to believe that earwigs tunneled into people’s brains to lay eggs, it has been common knowledge for a while now that this is nonsense. What would you name these pests if it were up to you? We think they should be called by their nickname, pincher bug. Anyways, we are not here to rename the earwig; we are here to teach you how to control them around your Elk Grove property.
What are earwigs?
Earwigs are strange-looking insects with pincers, also known as forceps, protruding from their abdomens. Earwigs also have two pairs of wings, which fold on top of one another. Despite having wings, however, earwigs are typically not the best flyers and only fly in short bursts. What earwigs are capable of is moving fast. When disturbed, you will see this first hand as they scatter in every direction.
Most commonly, earwigs are found outside homes inside wet soil and around gardens. Feeding mostly on live sprouts or decaying vegetation, earwigs damage plantlife around properties.
It is less common to see earwigs during the day as they are nocturnal pests. During the day, earwigs hide in cracks and around damp areas. Rocks, logs, and mulch are all common hiding places earwigs like to use to stay out of sight.
Problems Earwigs Cause
Earwigs are not dangerous pests, despite what their appearance would suggest. Although able to bite, earwigs rarely do. The worst harm they might do is pinch you and draw a small amount of blood. The good thing is this is easy to avoid as all you have to do is not pick earwigs up and try to pet them.
During the colder months and inclement weather, earwigs have been known to invade homes in large numbers. This is extremely annoying for homeowners and frustrating to deal with.
Prevention Tips For Earwigs
Earwigs invade homes in a number of different ways. Most commonly, they get inside through an open door or window or a crack or gap in your home’s exterior. To prevent earwigs around your Elk Grove property, here are some practical prevention tips.
- Using a caulking gun or some liquid cement, fill in cracks, openings, and gaps found in your home’s exterior foundation and around window and door frames.
- Repair or replace ripped or torn window and door screens.
- Make sure all of your home’s door sweeps are in good working condition.
- Fix any weather stripping around your home that is damaged.
- Keep your lawn and landscaping well maintained and free of clutter and debris.
- Trim back trees and other vegetation at least five feet from your home’s exterior.
- Clear out your gutters and make sure they are working properly.
- Repair leaky piping, appliances, and fixtures in and around your home.
- Eliminate sources of standing water.
- Use a dehumidifier indoors to keep moisture levels down.
How To Take Pest Prevention To The Next Level
If you do not have time to prevent earwigs on your own or are looking for a simpler solution to keeping them out of your home, we have solutions here at Pro Active Pest Control. Our team of highly trained pest technicians is ready to get your home the protection it needs to deter a wide variety of home-invading pests, including earwigs. Having trouble with a current pest infestation? We also offer quick pest eliminating services.
Give us a call today to find out more about our services or to schedule an inspection for your Elk Grove home and property.