What You Ought To Know About Earwigs In North Carolina

Some pests cause fear because they bite or spread disease. Others just look scary! Earwigs fall into the latter category. Though these pests look quite frightening, they aren’t inherently dangerous. Of course, this doesn’t mean they are welcome in your home. Find out how to prevent earwigs from getting into your North Carolina home.

Earwigs In Your Home

Earwigs usually grow to be about one inch in length. They are dark brown, with six legs and a distinctive pincer at the back of their abdomen. This pincer, of course, is what makes them look so frightening.

Earwigs usually spend their time outside in piles of leaves or other organic debris. They seek out areas that are cool, dark, and damp.

When these pests come inside, it’s usually because they found an easy entry point. They may take up residence in moist areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. An unfinished basement is a perfect hideout for an earwig, especially if the room isn’t well ventilated.

Dangerous Or Nuisance?

These nocturnal pests have a bad reputation because of their scary-looking pincer. Luckily, they aren’t that dangerous. Though earwigs might pinch you if they feel threatened, it’s unlikely to even break the skin.

There’s an old wives’ tale that suggests earwigs got their name from crawling into people’s ears to eat their brains. Luckily, this tale isn’t true. There’s no evidence that earwigs crawl into ears. Like many insects, they’re more scared of you than you are of them.

Earwigs also don’t spread disease or dangerous bacteria. However, they are unsightly, and having earwigs in your home may attract other predator pests. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you prevent these pests from getting inside.

Preventing Earwigs

• Reduce moisture. Earwigs need cool, damp places to hide, so making sure that you aren’t providing dampness is an important first step in earwig prevention. Use a dehumidifier in humid rooms like the bathroom or laundry room, and make sure basements, attics, and garages are well ventilated.
• Seal windows and doors. Earwigs may slip in through small cracks, so prevent them by sealing windows and doors and making sure your screens are intact.
• Repair cracks and crevices. Earwigs don’t just get in through windows and doors. Even the smallest crack along the exterior of your home could be an open invitation for them. Use caulking or steel wool to seal cracks, crevices, and holes along the exterior of your home.
• Clean the floors. Earwigs like dirt and will be most attracted to unfinished basements or cement floors that haven’t been recently cleaned. Make sure there are no piles of dirt or debris in the basement or garage that could attract earwigs.
• Clear the yard. Earwigs come to your yard before they come to your house. That means that prevention must cover the yard as well. Clean up old leaves and twigs. Clear away old logs and stumps.
• Keep the grass, bushes, and trees trimmed. Store firewood far from your home.
• Call Aruza Pest Control. If you keep seeing earwigs in your home or just need help to implement the above prevention procedures, reach out to Aruza Pest Control. We have years of experience dealing with all kinds of pests, and we have the experience to take care of your earwig problem, quickly and effectively. Don’t wait any longer!

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