Earwigs are scary-looking insects that can easily invade your South Portland home. While these bugs may look like something out of a science-fiction movie, they are not quite as scary as they look. However, they are certainly not harmless and should not be allowed to roam freely around your home. If you are struggling with an earwig infestation, Big Blue Bug Solutions is here to help. If you are looking for pest control in South Portland, we have the solutions to any of your pest problems.
What Do Earwigs Look Like?
Earwigs are one of the most unique-looking bugs in Maine. There are several different species of earwigs, but the European earwig is the most common type found in South Portland.
European earwigs are only about 5/8 of an inch long, with long, slender bodies that are usually a combination of tan and dark brown. They have six legs that are a yellowish-tan color. One of the most distinguishable features of the earwig is its large forceps located on its rear end they use to grab prey. They also have two long antennae separated into 14 different segments.
European earwigs have a small set of hind wings that lay flat against their bodies and are difficult to spot. They are able to fly short distances, but they rarely do. Instead, these bothersome bugs can run extremely fast and will usually use their legs to get to their destination.
Do Earwigs Really Go Into Your Ear?
One thing that may be creepier than the earwig's appearance is its name. The name earwig originated in England centuries ago and came from the Old English phrase "ēare wicga," which translates to "ear beetle." Back then, people gave this bug its name because they believed it would travel to your ear and could even possibly eat your brain.
Luckily, none of that is true. In fact, these intimidating bugs are actually harmless to humans. They are not able to bite or sting, and they do not have any venom. The earwig can pinch you with their forceps, but it rarely breaks the skin and will only hurt for a little while.
Tips To Keep Earwigs Away From Your Home
While earwigs may not be dangerous, they are nuisance bugs that can quickly take over your home. A female earwig can lay up to 80 eggs at one time, which means that it doesn't take long for your minor earwig problem to turn into a full-blown earwig infestation. Here are some things that you can try to prevent earwigs from coming into your home:
- Fix any leaky pipes immediately.
- Make sure that your basements and crawl spaces are well-ventilated.
- Keep your yard cut short and remove any fallen tree limbs or other debris from your yard.
- Seal up any potential entrances around your home.
Because earwigs are able to hide in hard-to-reach places in your home, it is easier to prevent an earwig infestation than it is to treat it.
Call The Pros To Eliminate An Earwig Infestation On Your Property
If you see an earwig in your South Portland home, give us a call as soon as possible. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we know how to get rid of the earwigs around your house for good. Call us today for a free quote!