Understanding the Causes of Earwigs in a House

Earwigs are small insects that have a long and slender body with pincers at the end. They are commonly found in gardens, but they can also be found inside homes. Earwigs are not harmful to humans, but they can be a nuisance when they invade your home. In this article, we will discuss the causes of earwigs in a house and how to prevent them.

What Attracts Earwigs to a House?

Earwigs are attracted to dark, damp places, and they prefer to live in areas where they can find food and water. They are also attracted to light, which may lead them to enter your home through doors or windows. Earwigs are most active at night and are commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms.

Causes of Earwigs in a House

1. Cluttered Areas: Earwigs love to hide in cluttered areas such as piles of laundry, stacks of papers, or boxes.

2. Moisture: Earwigs require moisture to survive, so they are often found in damp areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and under sinks.

3. Outdoor Lighting: As mentioned earlier, earwigs are attracted to light. Outdoor lighting near your home can draw them towards your house.

4. Cracks and Crevices: Earwigs can enter your home through cracks and crevices in walls, windows, doors, and foundation.

5. Plants: Earwigs feed on plants and may be attracted to your home if you have plants near your windows or doors.

How to Prevent Earwigs from Entering Your Home

1. Eliminate Clutter: Keep your home clean and clutter-free by regularly cleaning and organizing your belongings.

2. Repair Leaks: Fix any leaks or water damage in your home to reduce moisture levels.

3. Seal Cracks and Crevices: Seal any cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior and foundation to prevent earwigs from entering.

4. Use Outdoor Lighting Sparingly: Use outdoor lighting sparingly or replace bright lights with less attractive yellow bulbs.

5. Keep Plants Away from Your Home: Trim any plants that are touching the exterior of your home to reduce the likelihood of earwigs climbing onto your home.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs

If you have an infestation of earwigs in your home, there are a few ways to get rid of them:

1. Traps: Place traps in areas where earwigs are commonly found such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

2. Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where earwigs are found. This will kill them by dehydrating their bodies.

3. Insecticides: Use an insecticide specifically designed for earwigs to kill them.

FAQ

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

Earwigs are not dangerous to humans. Although they have pincers on their tail, they are not strong enough to harm humans.

Can Earwigs Fly?

No, earwigs cannot fly.

Do Earwigs Bite?

Earwigs can pinch with their pincers but generally do not bite humans.

Can Earwigs Cause Damage to Homes?

Earwigs do not cause structural damage to homes, but they can be a nuisance when they invade your living space.

How Do Earwigs Reproduce?

Earwigs lay eggs in soil during the winter months. The eggs hatch in the spring, and the young earwigs grow and develop throughout the summer months.