Learning about the different types of pests living in Mesa is vital to maintaining a home that is not overrun by rodents, insects, and more. The more you understand the wants and needs of pests in our region, the easier it is to make changes around your property that will keep them at bay.
It is very common for pests to move into our homes, searching for food, water, and temperature-controlled shelter. One pest that is a common invader of our houses and other structures is the earwig. These pests frequently get into our homes and, once inside, require the expertise of a professional earwig exterminator to remove them.
Continue reading to learn helpful information about these unique-looking pests and how effective pest control services in Mesa can help!
What Are Earwigs? A Brief Overview
Earwigs are small insects that have the following physical characteristics:
- An elongated, flattened body
- Medium length antennae
- Short wings
- Reddish-brown color
- Chewing mouthparts
- Cerci (pincer-like appendage) extending from the tip of their abdomen
These insects are scavenging pests that feed on many kinds of decaying organic matter, plants, and other insects. Earwigs are most active at night. During the day, they hide in cool, damp areas, making our yard’s gardens, flowerbeds, woodpiles, and spaces under decks prime gathering locations.
Earwigs Indoors: Their Impact On Your Home
Earwigs in houses are more of a nuisance than a danger. People once thought earwigs crawled into our ears to eat our brains and lay their eggs. Luckily, this myth was proven false long ago.
When it comes to earwigs in Mesa, they are usually more problematic in our yards and gardens than in our homes. In outdoor spaces, they feed on and damage adult plants and seedlings. Earwigs have the ability to devastate plants in gardens and crop fields.
Though not necessarily dangerous, earwigs don’t get a free pass if they find their way into our homes. These scavengers come into a lot of contact with bacteria and other pathogens when crawling around outside. After getting into your house, they will contaminate surfaces with the bacteria they carry on their bodies.
Another critical fact to note about earwigs is their high moisture needs. If their outdoor environment is hot and dry, they will migrate, seeking the moisture they need to survive.
If you regularly spot these insects in your home, there is likely a moisture issue present that you need to address. Leaky pipes, poor ventilation, and damaged weatherstripping can allow water to seep into your home and create the perfect earwig habitat.
Natural Earwig Prevention: Protecting Your Garden And Home
There are some natural earwig control tips you can take advantage of to help keep earwigs away from your property, including:
- Control excess moisture by repairing leaky drains and pipes.
- Make sure irrigation systems are not overwatering gardens and flowerbeds.
- Remove wood, leaves, and other yard debris from your property.
- Create a barrier between any mulch or soil and your home’s exterior.
- Inspect firewood and other items that have been outside for hitchhiking earwigs before bringing them inside.
- Replace damaged wood trim, door sweeps, and weather stripping.
For more advice on maintaining a home free of earwigs, call Pro Active Pest Control today.
An Effective Earwig Removal Method: Contact Us Today!
Earwigs are never a welcome sight to find in our Mesa homes. As soon as you notice these pests in your house, you must take action to remove them. The best solution to any pest problem is a professional solution. The experts at Pro Active Pest Control know how to perform the inspections and high-quality treatments necessary to find and eliminate earwigs. You can count on us and our 100% guaranteed pest control solutions to solve your Mesa property's earwig problems! Call today for help with earwigs and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Mesa.