Earwigs in your home may not be dangerous as some other local pests, but they shouldn't be left untreated. Although earwigs are mainly nuisance pests and don’t pose a major health hazard to humans, they can still cause problems when they infest your home and become difficult to eliminate. If you need pest control in Milford, keep reading to learn how to get rid of earwigs in your home.
What An Earwig Looks Like
To get rid of earwigs completely, it’s crucial that you learn how to identify them. Although earwigs are sometimes confused with silverfish or firebrats, there are certain characteristics that are particular to the earwig bug.
The earwig life cycle consists of three stages, from when they first hatch to when they reach reproductive age. By the last stage, earwigs are considered full adults, and they can be distinguished by the following characteristics.
Adult earwigs range from ¼ to 1 inch long. Their bodies are long and flat, and they are usually pale brown, reddish-brown, or black. Earwigs have six legs and thin antennae. While they have two pairs of wings, not all earwig species can fly. Nonetheless, their most distinguishable features are their protruding (and scary-looking) pincers.
Earwigs Are More Of A Nuisance Than A Danger
Earwigs are generally not aggressive but can attack if they feel threatened. Although you may have heard of earwig bites, and this can certainly happen, earwigs most commonly pinch using their pincers. An earwig pinch can create a small welt, but these pinches do not transmit diseases.
Even though earwigs may not be the biggest threat to your health or home, they are definitely still a nuisance that should not be allowed to stay in your home. After all, nobody wants to see earwigs around their space when they’re just trying to relax after a long day at work. Besides, nobody wants to get pinched by a bug! If you have an earwig infestation in your Milford home, keep reading to find out the best way to get rid of them.
Why Do Earwigs Invade Homes?
Earwigs are not native to the United States, but they have been around since at least the early 1900s. They are a common pest in Milford and the surrounding areas, and can live indoors and reproduce quickly. But, what exactly attracts earwigs to a home?
Earwigs are attracted to the following factors:
- Moisture
- Darkness
- Humidity
These three factors create the perfect breeding ground for earwigs.
Rotting plant material is also attractive to earwigs since it provides them with a moist food source, and they can burrow and reproduce in the rotting plant matter. These pests may also infest healthy plant materials, bags of dirt, and topsoil. Earwigs can also “hitchhike” from one place to another in bags or boxes. Unfortunately, if these pests hitch a ride home with you, they could make your basement their next home.
The Best Way To Keep Earwigs Out Of Your Home
Proper earwig control is crucial if you want to maintain a pest-free home. To keep earwigs out of your Milford home, you’ll need to seal any entry points in your home that could let earwigs inside. Potential entry points for earwigs include gaps, cracks, and holes; you can seal these problem areas using silicone-based caulk or steel wool. It’s also important to seal your attic and foundation vents, windows, and doors.
You should also ensure that your basement is ventilated. Otherwise, this dark, moist space will be the perfect breeding ground for these insects. Using a dehumidifier can also help deter earwigs from calling your property home.
The best and safest way to get rid of an earwig infestation in your house is to contact a licensed pest control professional for a comprehensive treatment plan. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we’ve been helping homeowners in Milford and the surrounding areas get rid of earwigs and other pests safely and effectively for years. Reach out to us for a free initial inspection and get rid of earwigs for good.