Earwigs in Pet Food Bowls:
What’s the Reason?

If you’re a pet owner, you may have encountered earwigs in your pet’s food bowl. These creepy crawlies can be a concerning sight, and it’s natural to wonder why they’re appearing in your pet’s feeding area. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why earwigs may be attracted to pet food bowls and what you can do to prevent them from making an appearance.

What are Earwigs?

Earwigs are insects that belong to the order Dermaptera. They are often characterized by their elongated bodies and pincers on their posterior. Earwigs are generally nocturnal and can be found in damp areas like gardens, under rocks or logs, or in cracks and crevices.

Why are Earwigs Attracted to Pet Food Bowls?

Earwigs are attracted to pet food bowls for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is moisture. Earwigs require a moist environment to survive, and pet food bowls can provide just that. Additionally, earwigs are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything they can find, including pet food.

Another reason earwigs may be attracted to pet food bowls is the presence of other insects. Ants, in particular, are known to be attracted to pet food and may leave behind pheromones that attract earwigs as well.

Are Earwigs Harmful to Pets?

Earwigs are not harmful to pets. They do not carry diseases or pose any significant health risks. However, their presence can be an annoyance and may cause your pet to avoid their food bowl.

How Can You Prevent Earwigs from Appearing in Your Pet’s Food Bowl?

There are several steps you can take to prevent earwigs from appearing in your pet’s food bowl:

1. Keep the feeding area clean and dry. Wipe up any spills or moisture immediately to prevent earwigs from being attracted to the area.

2. Store pet food in airtight containers. This will prevent ants and other insects from being attracted to the food and leaving behind pheromones that attract earwigs.

3. Use a raised feeding platform. This will make it more difficult for earwigs to climb up and into the food bowl.

4. Use a pet food bowl with a lid. This will help keep the food dry and prevent insects from getting inside.

5. Place a moat of water around the feeding area. Earwigs cannot swim, so this will create a barrier that prevents them from reaching the food bowl.

Conclusion

Earwigs may be attracted to pet food bowls for several reasons, but they are not harmful to pets. By taking steps to keep the feeding area clean and dry, storing pet food properly, and using preventative measures like raised feeding platforms or lidded bowls, you can prevent earwigs from making an appearance in your pet’s feeding area.

FAQ

Are earwigs dangerous to humans?

No, earwigs are not dangerous to humans. While they do have pincers, they are not strong enough to cause harm.

What do earwigs eat?

Earwigs are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything they can find, including plant material, other insects, and even decaying matter.

Do earwigs fly?

No, earwigs do not fly. They move around by crawling.

Can earwigs swim?

No, earwigs cannot swim. They are not adapted to living in water and will drown if they cannot find a way out.