Common Questions After Finding Earwigs in the Home
Some of the more common house pests you'd hear about would be cockroaches, flies, ants, and the like. However, there are many more insects that could be lurking in your home. For instance, homeowners can spot earwigs passing through or staying on their property.
If you don't know what earwigs are, they are small beetles from the order Dermaptera and the family Forficulidae. Also known as pincer bugs, earwigs are nocturnal and pesky. It's best to call pest control professionals if you ever have a sighting of these little insects in or around your home.
For now, here are some of the most common questions asked after finding earwigs in the home.
What Do Earwigs Look Like?
As mentioned above, earwigs are nocturnal insects, so you might not see them during the day. But to describe them, they have sharp pincers extending from the sides of their bodies. They also have long antennae, which can be one-third of the length of their bodies.
Like flies and roaches, earwigs have six legs and are dark brown to black in color. Earwigs come in various sizes, the common ones being about 1.5 inches long. They are considered pests not only because of their appearance but due to their behavior as well.
Where Do Earwigs Live?
Earwigs, like most insects, live in warm and dark places. These include attics, crawl spaces, basements, woodpiles, and more indoors. They also feed on decaying leaves in the garden and live in lawns, where they dig small holes in the grass outside. In general, earwigs enjoy gathering with a large population of other bugs like them.
Where Do Earwigs Eat?
Earwigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. To be specific, they prefer feeding on smaller insects, dead animals, and decaying plants. These pests can be found feeding on vegetable gardens and shrubbery, but they might also leave a pungent odor in your home if you have them in the attic or basement.
Are Earwigs Bad?
Earwigs do not spread diseases to humans or animals. And while they don't always live in the warmth of a human's home, earwigs can be a nuisance for homeowners if found on the property. They primarily target the landscaping and can make the home's appearance a little questionable.
Due to their attraction to wood, earwigs can also chew up furniture and other belongings. Plus, if a large population of them starts to gather, they can really emit such a pungent smell that makes it unpleasant to be in the vicinity.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs?
If you ever find earwigs in the home, don't panic and start spraying pesticides on your own. This will only make the issue even worse, as pesticides can be dangerous to your family and animals.
Still, earwigs can be extremely bothersome because of their appearance, their odor, and the damage they can cause to your house and property. The best way to get rid of the pests for good is to call a professional pest control company that knows the best ways to get rid of and prevent them from coming back.
Conclusion
When there's an earwig infestation, homeowners will feel the effect. The critters may venture into your home, and you need to know how to get rid of them quickly or prevent them from coming into your home in the first place.
In need of pest control and management? Whitmore Pest Control in Colorado, USA, offers pest control and wildlife removal services. Get in touch with us today!