Earwig Infestation:
Why Your House is Full

Earwigs are one of the most common pests that can infest your home. These insects are known for their long, slender bodies and pincer-like appendages at the end of their abdomen. Despite their scary appearance, earwigs are relatively harmless to humans.

However, if you see a lot of earwigs in your home or yard, it can be a sign of a larger infestation. In this article, we will discuss why your house may be full of earwigs and how you can get rid of them.

Why Earwigs Infest Your Home

Earwigs are attracted to dark, damp environments. They often seek shelter in cracks and crevices during the day and come out at night to feed on plants and other insects. If you have an earwig infestation in your home, it could be due to a variety of reasons:

Moisture

Earwigs thrive in moist environments, so if there is a lot of moisture in your home or yard, it can attract them. This could be due to leaky pipes, standing water, or excessive humidity.

Clutter

Earwigs love hiding in cluttered areas such as piles of leaves, woodpiles, and debris. If you have a lot of clutter around your home or yard, it could be attracting earwigs.

Light

Earwigs are nocturnal insects and are often attracted to light sources. If you have bright outdoor lights or leave your porch light on at night, it could be drawing earwigs to your home.

How to Get Rid of Earwig Infestations

If you have an earwig infestation in your home or yard, there are several ways to get rid of them:

Reduce Moisture

To reduce moisture levels in your home, make sure there are no leaks or standing water. Repair leaky pipes and faucets and ensure that your gutters are working properly. Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels in your home.

Declutter

Remove piles of debris, leaves, and woodpiles from around your home. Keep your yard well-maintained and free of clutter.

Remove Food Sources

Earwigs feed on plants and other insects, so remove any potential food sources from around your home. This could include removing overgrown vegetation, cleaning up fallen fruit, and sealing up any cracks or holes in your home to prevent other insects from entering.

Use Pesticides

If you have a severe earwig infestation, you may need to use pesticides to get rid of them. There are several insecticides available that are specifically designed to kill earwigs. However, it is important to read the label carefully and follow all instructions to avoid harming yourself or other animals.

FAQ

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

Earwigs are not dangerous to humans. They do not carry any diseases and their pincers are too small to cause any harm.

Can Earwigs Fly?

No, earwigs cannot fly. They can only crawl or run.

How Do You Prevent Earwigs from Entering Your Home?

To prevent earwigs from entering your home, seal up any cracks or holes in your walls, windows, and doors. Keep your yard well-maintained and free of clutter.

How Long Do Earwigs Live?

Earwigs typically live for about one year.

What Should You Do If You Have an Earwig Infestation?

If you have an earwig infestation in your home or yard, try reducing moisture levels, removing clutter, and removing potential food sources. If these methods don’t work, you may need to use pesticides or contact a professional pest control company for help.

In conclusion, earwig infestations are common and can be caused by a variety of factors, including moisture, clutter, and light sources. To get rid of earwigs, it is important to reduce moisture levels, declutter, remove potential food sources, and use pesticides if necessary. By following these steps, you can keep your home free of earwigs and other pests.