Getting Rid of Earwigs in Boise

Have you ever been sitting outside and suddenly seen something small scurrying towards your legs? Or maybe you have seen a bug inside your house, up in the corner of a room. You might have cut open a fruit and seen a bug crawl out. Earwigs are one of the numerous bugs that can be found in your yard, house, and even food. But despite their name and stories passed down from generation to generation, these critters don’t actually go into your ear. So where do they go, what do they do, and why do you keep seeing them on your property?

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are an unpleasant looking creature that squeezes their way into our homes without much notice. Once inside, it can take some time to discover their presence. Earwigs are nocturnal and spend their days hiding in dark, hard to reach areas, only emerging at night to forage for food.

Earwigs have wings, but don’t fly and are best known for their pincers that they use to defend themselves from each other and other insects. Adults grow to between a quarter to one inch long. They have an elongated body that is slender and reddish-brown. 

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

Though earwigs have pincers and are very intimidating looking, they are mainly nuisance pests. They pose no significant dangers to people or our property.

Earwigs live outside in garden areas. In very large populations, they may be able to cause some damage to plants, but again, this is not a huge concern.

The biggest reason why earwigs are considered pests is that if conditions dictate, they will migrate inside in large numbers. Once inside, they are difficult to get rid of. 

Why Do I Have an Earwig Problem?

What attracts earwigs to a property are areas of moisture and decaying organic matter. These insects feed on other insects, garbage, and decaying organic matter. They also will chew through and try to feed on paper and cardboard items. 

Earwigs are moisture-seeking pests, so prefer properties where moisture issues are present. Once living near your home, it is common for them to move indoors through spaces in the foundation or under doors. Door or window screens that are torn or loose are another way these pests get into homes. 

Where Will I Find Earwigs?

Gardens, damp soil under mulch, dense vegetation, leaf piles, and densely wooded areas are all places where you will find earwigs living. 

Earwigs are a pest that Boise homeowners commonly discover living in their homes after they find their way inside when seeking out cool, damp areas to live. They congregate near pipes, sinks, drains, or sump pumps. Crawl spaces, bathrooms, and basements are the most common areas of a home that earwigs take over.

How Do I Get Rid of Earwigs?

Locally owned and family-operated, Averse Pest Control is the best choice to get rid of earwigs from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced professionals provide top-quality pest control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate earwigs from Boise properties. Discover why your neighbors choose Averse Pest Control for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How Can I Prevent Earwigs in the Future?

Prevent problems with earwigs by partnering with Averse Pest Control and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• When you store things in areas of your home that tend to retain moisture, store them in plastic containers with locking lids, not cardboard boxes.
• Thoroughly inspect items stored outside for earwigs before bringing them back into your home.
• Make sure gutters are being maintained and are directing rainwater away from your foundation.
• Cut back vegetation away from your foundation.
• Seal up spaces in your foundation and place door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Repair any torn or otherwise damaged door or window screens.
• Place covers over vents or drains leading into your home to stop these pests from using them as an entry point.
• Use dehumidifiers to lower moisture levels. Excess moisture is the biggest reason earwigs find their way into a home. 
• Do not overwater your yard, which can lead to infestations of bugs.