Earwig Control

Earwigs, also sometimes called “pincher bugs,” are always an unpleasant sight – especially since they have a habit of skittering away very quickly when disturbed. Combined with the pincer on their tail, it’s easy to see why they aren’t welcome near people. Even if they are technically harmless, they’re always startling to see.

Lookout Pest Control can help you get rid of these creepy crawlies and make sure they stay gone.

What Do Earwigs Look Like?

The earwig’s most distinctive feature is the large pincers at the end of its abdomen. Many people don’t realize that earwigs also have wings and can fly, though they usually stick to crawling. They are sometimes confused with silverfish and firebrats, but are generally darker in color, and their bodies are not as tapered.

Despite their threatening appearance, earwigs are not dangerous to people; they have no venom and are usually not strong enough to break the skin. They also don’t attack people – the pincers are used for defense, and usually against other bugs. An earwig may pinch you if crushed or threatened, but it won’t harm you. (Also, contrary to urban legend, they won’t hide in your ears.)

What Attracts Earwigs?

Earwigs are extremely attracted to moist environments that aren’t disturbed often. This means they’ll often gather in places like attics, garages, garden sheds, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They are more active during warm weather and go dormant during the winter months.

Outside of the home, earwigs may damage flowers and produce like berries, soft fruits, and corn. They can often be found hiding in or near these plants. If you have a home garden, make sure to check in frequently to prevent damage to your plants.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs

Complete pest control requires help from a professional, but there are a few things you can do to mitigate your earwig problems.

• Clean up yard debris. After you’re done raking leaves or pulling weeds, make sure you throw out the debris. Yard debris provides harborage, or hiding places, for many different pests – not just earwigs.
• Reduce moisture. Consider a dehumidifier in your house’s problem rooms and clean up any water spills promptly.
• Over-the-counter traps may be useful, but remember that they can only reduce your earwig problem and will not eliminate it completely.
• Repair plumbing leaks that could provide earwigs with a water source in or around your home.

Finally, it’s vital that you get in touch with a pest control company if you’re having issues with earwigs or any other pest in your home or business. Lookout Pest Control can help you get to the bottom of your pest problem and make sure it’s gone for good.

Call Lookout Pest Control for Complete Earwig Control in the Southeastern United States

Earwigs may not be dangerous, but that doesn’t stop them from being a nuisance. If you have an earwig problem in your home or business, count on Lookout Pest Control to put a stop to it. Earwigs are one of the many pest types we can treat your property for. Since we got started in 35, we’ve been helping people all over the the Southeastern United States keep their homes and businesses safe from pests; we back all of our services with a satisfaction guarantee.

Give us a call to get started with a free quote!