An earwig, also known as a pincer bug, is a common pest that's found in homes across the country. The pincers at its rear look very intimidating and make people want to avoid touching this alien-like insect. Though earwigs look aggressive, they're pretty harmless to people. Before we dive into earwig control, we'll answer some of the most common questions regarding this home invader.
What Do Earwigs Look Like?
An earwig bug varies in color. It can range from black or brown to reddish with stripes on its head and limbs. Earwigs have wings but rarely use them to fly. Instead, these insects crawl along the ground in search of food and water, including places to nest inside your home.
How Did I Get Earwigs?
Earwigs are nocturnal insects and prefer to eat moss and other vegetation. They'll also munch on leaf piles and even greasy foods that you've left on the counter. These insects will also feed on organic material such as paper and boxes, which puts your personal items at risk of getting eaten by earwigs. If you have greasy or sweet foods out in the open or books on a shelf in a humid room, you're tempting these insects with their favorite foods and attracting them to your home.
How Can I Get Rid of Earwigs?
Getting rid of earwigs comes down to making good habits around the house and using the right earwig killer, such as an earwig spray to eliminate the pest on the spot. Setting out an earwig poison such as a dust will also help, including using earwig repellent to prevent reinfestations after treating your home.
A DIY Earwig Control Program
- Pick up loose rocks outside. Earwigs hide under them.
- Don't use more than 2 inches of mulch around your foundation.
- Clean your gutters regularly to prevent nesting sites.
- Invest in an earwig pesticide to eliminate current infestations.
- Fix leaky pipes and reduce moisture inside and outside your home.
- Put away pet bowls at night.
- Reduce the clutter and the debris in your yard.
Though earwigs tend to stay outdoors, they'll come inside if they have food, water and better shelter waiting for them. Pedchem has numerous earwig insecticide products to help in the fight against earwig infestations. Whether it's a dust or a liquid spray, you can select a product from our inventory and use it to control earwigs and to keep them out of your home.