All About The Little-Known North Carolina Earwig

Earwigs are medium-sized insects with flat bodies. They are usually a dark brown or black color, sometimes with a reddish tint or stripes across their body. They can be easily identified by the two appendages that stick out of their abdomen. These are called cerci or pincers which are forceps that they use to defend themselves. Earwigs also have wings, but they seldom fly. They have two antennae, six legs, and three segments to their body.

There’s a common myth that earwigs like to burrow into human ears and lay eggs in your brain, but that’s just not true. Sure, their name might make you think otherwise, but they do not nest inside of ears. They are attracted to humid places that are dark and damp, usually under rocks, piles of decaying matter or debris, and bags of dirt or fertilizer.

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

If you’re nervous about the potential harm of an earwig infestation, don’t be. They cannot hurt you. They do not sting, they are not poisonous, and they pose no real threat to human beings. They sometimes use their pincers to pinch you if they feel threatened, but they can’t really hurt you and most of the time they will just run away at the sight of a human.

Why Should You Worry About An Earwig Infestation?

Well, earwigs are moisture pests meaning they need moisture to survive. They’re often attracted to mold, moisture damage, or rotting and damaged wood. So, if you do find earwigs in and around your home, it could be an indication of a larger moisture problem that needs to be addressed. When earwigs invade in large numbers, it can become a real nuisance that can feel extremely unmanageable. Additionally, there are certain species of earwigs that can emit a very putrid odor. While it’s not harmful, it’s certainly unpleasant, and you’ll want to avoid it at all costs.

To reduce the chances of an earwig infestation, you can try to take the following preventative measures in and around your North Carolina home:

• Vacuum regularly and promptly wipe up any spills from the stovetop or counter.
• Store food in tightly sealed containers, and don’t leave any pet food or water outside overnight.
• Seal off any cracks or points of entry around the perimeter of the house.
• Reduce moisture around the home by setting up dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Repair leaky faucets or faulty drains and plumbing.
• Clean your rain gutters and make sure they function properly.
• Reduce the presence of stones in your yard as earwigs like to hide underneath them.
• Maintain minimal mulch in your yard.
• Don’t allow shrubbery to touch the structural foundation of your house.
• Clean the yard of organic debris, branches, leaves, etc.
• Remove any rotting wood from your property.
• Keep outside lights off at night as it will attract earwigs.

Although many of these prevention methods can prove to be helpful, none of them are as effective as calling in the help of the professionals. Contact Aruza Pest Control for the best earwig control services in all of North Carolina. With over 20 years of experience in pest elimination and control, we promise you’re in good hands.

We offer comprehensive residential and commercial pest control services that are guaranteed to protect your home and your loved ones from the dangers of pest infestations. There’s no time to waste. Give us a call today for a consultation, and we will work together to come up with a customized treatment plan made specially to fit your needs. Our team of licensed pest experts is ready to help you keep your property pest free for good.

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