As a child, you may have heard scary stories about bugs that crawl into people’s ears while they sleep to burrow into the brain and lay eggs. This story comes from an old European tale, and we can all be thankful that scientists say there is no evidence to support this myth. But these pests can be a nuisance, especially when they find a way into the house.
This article will provide the information you need to control an earwig invasion in your home. We’ll explain more about these pests, the problems they can cause, and tips to prevent them in the future. Read on to learn more about these pests and when to call an earwig exterminator in Maine with the pros from Big Blue Bug Solutions.
What Are Earwigs? A Brief Overview
Earwigs are insects easily identified by their long, flat, narrow bodies with pincers protruding from the back of the abdomens. These pests are between 1/4 and 1 inch long, dark brown, with six legs and threadlike antennae measuring about half the length of their bodies. Earwigs have leathery wings, but many species don’t fly, and the ones that do can only do so in short bursts.
Earwigs typically congregate in large numbers outdoors in damp, cool locations like tree holes or under lawn debris. Inside the house, they prefer moist areas like basements and crawl spaces. Contact us today at Big Blue Bug Solutions for assistance if earwigs infest your garden or home.
Earwigs Indoors: Their Impact On Your Home
Earwigs in your home aren’t a health risk and won’t damage your property, but they can be a real nuisance. These pests enter homes accidentally while searching for shelter due to a change in weather or while looking for food. Some species produce a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism, and they may pinch your skin if you try to handle them.
Getting rid of earwigs can be challenging because they tend to hide in hard-to-reach areas of the house, such as cracks in the basement floor or walls. If you struggle to remove these pests from your home, Big Blue Bug Solutions is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free inspection.
How To Prevent Earwigs
Prevention is the key to controlling earwigs and keeping them out of your home and yard. Here are some tips to help you avoid another earwig infestation:
- Prevent them from entering the house by sealing cracks and crevices with silicone caulk or steel wool.
- Ensure the basement has adequate ventilation, or consider installing a dehumidifier.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are clean and direct water away from the foundation.
- Remove harborage sites such as leaf debris, mulch, ivy, weeds, and stones.
Big Blue Bug Solutions is here to help you get rid of earwigs and prevent them from returning. Our experienced technicians can determine what attracts these pests, how they get inside, and the best way to eliminate them. Contact us today to learn more about our pest control and prevention services.
Call Us For Total Earwig Control
The simplest and most effective way to eliminate these pests is to work with an earwig exterminator near you. For more than 80 years, Big Blue Bug Solutions has been helping our neighbors protect their homes and families from troublesome pests. Contact us today to learn more about our residential pest control services or to schedule your free inspection.