Earwigs
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What Is A Earwig?
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Why Do I Have Them?
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Are They Dangerous?
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How Do You Get Rid Of Earwigs?
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How Soon Can We Get Here?
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Is The Treatment Safe?
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How Can I Prevent This In The Future?
What Is A Earwig?
Earwigs are small insects from the order of Dermapter, and they are characterized by having smooth elongated bodies that have a pair of horny, forceps-like abdominal appendages called 'cerci'. The cerci are like pincers, larger and more curved in the male than the female, with lengths ranging from non-existent to 1/3 the length of the body. There are winged and wingless species of earwigs, the winged species having front and hind sets of wings that are leathery and membranous , yet earwigs hardly ever fly. The bodies are reddish or dark brown, lengths mostly in the quarter to half inch range; However the saint helena giant earwig has been known to reach up to 3 inches long. There are over 900 different species Dermaptera and the common earwigs likely to be found in temperate climates. The name earwig comes from the myth that earwigs found their way into human ears and burrowed into their brains to lay eggs.
Why Do I Have Them?
During the hot and summer months, earwigs will attempt to migrate indoors. Earwigs prefer warm temperate climates and dark and damp areas. If an earwig can find an entrance into your home or business, they can find an abundance of warm and damp areas to survive and reproduce. Earwigs are nocturnal and normally spend days hiding in small , dark , humid spaces around your dwelling, usually in your basements , bathrooms, and kitchens. During the evening hours, during the evening hours they will feed on plants and anthropods including mites and fleas. If you already have a pest infestation. This can increase the probability that you will have earwigs too.
Are They Dangerous?
Earwigs in our service area are considered nuisance pests. They may use their cerci to pinch people, but this isnt considered harmful as the cersi usually dont have the ability to pierce the skin and there is no venom that can be transferred to humans. Earwigs are mostly known for their destructive abilities in your household plants and gardens. They can damage delicate blossoms and will feed on decaying organic materials.
How Do You Get Rid Of Earwigs?
The best way to remove earwigs from your home or business is to first control the earwig population you have surrounding the building. Earwigs are attracted to light and moisture, so it is important to reduce lighting around windows and other possible sites of entry into your dwelling. Sodium vapor yellow lights are less attractive to insects and therefore a better choice for your porch or outdoor lighting than white, neon or mercury vapor lights. Limiting the possible entry points in your structure can also be beneficial in keeping earwigs out of your space. Sealing all unnecessary holes and gaps in the structure will help to limit the possibility of an earwig infestation.