Earwig Infestation

What Does an Earwig Infestation Look Like?

Very few people ever encounter an earwig infestation of large proportion, and they typically do not actively infest indoors. As these are outside insects, even if people see just a few that might wander into a home or apartment, they are often considered a major invasion. These are not tiny insects, and the intimidating forceps can lead to panic when people do see an earwig infestation.

Earwigs are not social insects, so there is no queen or king or colony workers as one would encounter with bees or even termites. There is also no nest, so an infestation can’t be seen in a single place such as with a bee hive.

Earwig habits and habitat vary. Some are predaceous, typically preying on smaller insects or arthropods. Most are not predaceous and instead feed on the live or decaying vegetation found in moist soil.

If there is a home with moist soil around the foundation and an abundance of leaves, dead plant material in the soil, and even live plants such as tender weeds, earwigs will have adequate conditions to eat, hide and rear young.

It is very common to remove the vegetation cover and see dozens of earwigs scurrying about to find hiding places. Domestic earwigs and young especially cannot tolerate dry and sunny areas for long. Sometimes, one might even see earwigs go into holes in rotten tree stumps, but earwigs typically do not dig or burrow to a great extent. The flexible abdomen will allow them to move quickly and into tight areas.

Inside, unless conditions are excellent, in a basement for example, earwigs will not typically be present in large numbers. They most often infest outdoors but might wander indoors, giving the illusion of an infestation.

Where do Earwigs Live?

Earwig habitats typically vary. Some are predaceous, typically preying on smaller insects or arthropods. Most are not predaceous and instead feed on the live or decaying vegetation found in moist soil.

If there is a home with moist soil around the foundation and an abundance of leaves, dead plant material in the soil, and even live plants such as tender weeds, earwigs will have adequate conditions to eat, hide and rear young.

It is very common to remove the vegetation cover and see dozens of earwigs scurrying about to find hiding places. Domestic earwigs and young especially cannot tolerate dry and sunny areas for long. Sometimes, one might even see earwigs go into holes in rotten tree stumps, but earwigs typically do not dig or burrow to a great extent. The flexible abdomen will allow them to move quickly and into tight areas.

Do Earwigs Infest Houses?

Inside, unless conditions are excellent, in a basement for example, earwigs will not typically be present in large numbers. They most often infest outdoors but might wander indoors, giving the illusion of an infestation.

How to Get Rid of Earwig Infestation

If you discover earwigs in the house, it’s best to take immediate action. While seeking the help of an Orkin Pro is the most effective course of action, here are a few steps you can take to help prevent and get rid of earwigs:

Secure Entries

Due to their small size, earwigs infest houses by entering any cracks or holes. Make sure to mend any issues related to your doors and windows. You can also add an extra layer of protection by placing a cloth under your doors and recaulking window sills.

Get Rid of Moisture

High moisture content can be a contributing factor to what causes earwig infestations. Areas such as under a sink, a damp basement or bathroom can attract earwigs. Dry out your home by placing fans and dehumidifiers in places that tend to have a higher concentration of moisture.

Keep Up with Vacuuming

A great way to get rid of earwigs in your home is by vacuuming daily. By doing so, you’ll suck up any food crumbs that may be on the ground as well as any rogue earwigs.

As with any pest infestation, preparation and inspection can go a long way. An Orkin Pro can design a unique earwig control and treatment program to help you repel earwigs inside your house or anywhere else they may be. With expert knowledge and the proper equipment, you can rely on Orkin to successfully help you deal with any pest-related problem you may encounter.

Call your local Orkin branch for help from your Orkin Pros.