Solving the Mystery of Earwigs in Your House

Earwigs, those creepy-looking insects with pincers on their backsides, have a reputation for being pests. While they don’t pose a significant threat to humans, they can be a nuisance when they invade your home. If you’ve found earwigs in your house, you’re probably wondering how they got there and what you can do to get rid of them. In this article, we’ll explore the mystery of earwigs in your house and provide some tips for getting rid of them.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are insects that belong to the order Dermaptera. They are about 1 inch long and have a long, slender body with two pairs of wings. The most distinctive feature of earwigs is the pincers on their abdomen, which they use for defense and mating. Despite their name, earwigs do not crawl into people’s ears.

Earwigs are typically nocturnal and prefer dark, moist environments. They feed on other insects, plants, and decaying matter.

How Do Earwigs Get Into Your House?

Earwigs are attracted to moisture, so they often enter homes in search of damp environments. They can come in through cracks in doors and windows or through gaps in the foundation. They are also attracted to lights and may enter homes through open windows or doors at night.

How Can You Get Rid of Earwigs?

If you’ve found earwigs in your house, there are several steps you can take to get rid of them:

1. Identify the Source of Moisture

Earwigs are attracted to moisture, so the first step in getting rid of them is to identify the source of moisture in your home. Check for leaks in pipes, faucets, and appliances. Make sure your gutters are clean and functioning properly. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in your home.

2. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Earwigs can enter your home through cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and the foundation. Seal these openings with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent earwigs from entering.

3. Remove Debris

Earwigs are attracted to decaying matter, so removing debris from your yard can help reduce their population. Trim back overgrown plants, remove piles of leaves and grass clippings, and clear out any debris around your home.

4. Use Traps and Insecticides

If earwigs continue to be a problem, you can use traps and insecticides to get rid of them. Sticky traps can be placed near entry points to catch earwigs as they try to enter your home. Insecticides can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier that repels earwigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

Earwigs do not pose a significant threat to humans. They do not sting or carry diseases. However, their pincers can pinch if they feel threatened.

Do Earwigs Crawl Into People’s Ears?

The idea that earwigs crawl into people’s ears is a myth. While earwigs may crawl on people, they do not enter ears.

How Can I Prevent Earwigs From Entering My Home?

To prevent earwigs from entering your home, make sure to seal cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and the foundation. Reduce moisture levels in your home by fixing leaks and using a dehumidifier. Keep your yard free of debris and use traps and insecticides if necessary.

Conclusion

Earwigs may be creepy-looking pests, but they are relatively harmless to humans. If you’ve found earwigs in your house, there are steps you can take to get rid of them. By identifying the source of moisture, sealing cracks and gaps, removing debris, and using traps and insecticides, you can keep these pests under control.