Everyone has a different tolerance for pests. For most people, pests like flies are annoying, pests like ants are frustrating, and pests like spiders are downright terrifying. But what sets an annoying pest apart from a terrifying one? Is it their size? Their body shape? Maybe it’s the way they move or interact with people. In the case of earwigs, it’s a bit of all three. If you have questions about these creepy pinching pests and are looking for some ways to keep earwigs off your West Palm Beach property, read on to learn more.
What do earwigs do in your ear?
Some people have the misconception that earwigs crawl into ears and lay eggs there, but that’s just an old folk tale. Thankfully with modern science, we now know that earwigs do not willfully crawl into people’s ears, and they certainly do not lay eggs inside people’s brains.
Where are earwigs found?
Earwigs are typically garden pests and are most commonly found hiding around moist cracks and crevices during the day, and out in the open feeding during the night. Around homes, these pests will do everything in their power to stay out of sight. Most people find these pests when moving rocks, dirt, or other materials around their yard. Earwigs may come indoors if exterior weather conditions are unfavorable.
Are earwigs dangerous?
Earwigs appear frightening with their ominous dark colors and their large pincher that extends from their rear. Fortunately, these pests are nowhere near as dangerous as they look. Yes, they will pinch you if they feel threatened, but it shouldn’t hurt too bad. In most cases, an earwig pinch does not break the skin and is not laced with any form of venom. The biggest problems these pests cause comes with their presence around homes.
How did an earwig get into my home?
Earwigs do not prefer living indoors, but they also don’t prefer dying. If conditions outside threaten this pest’s wellbeing, it will look for ways to find shelter inside. Most often hot, cold, or inclement weather drives earwigs indoors. If your home’s exterior has gaps, cracks, or openings big enough for these insects to squeeze through, there is a good chance they might at some point or another.
Is there anything you can do to prevent earwigs?
Earwigs are prevented in the same way most pests are, with exclusion. To keep these annoying insects out of your West Palm Beach home, here are a few strategies our experts recommend:
- Use a caulk gun to seal openings in your home’s exterior.
- Trim back tree branches and bushes away from your home so sunlight can keep it dry.
- Avoid using mulch and other landscaping products within 12” of the exterior of your home.
- Repair window and door screens.
- Address damaged weatherstripping.
- Make sure all of your exterior doors have door sweeps.
- Fix leaky piping and fixtures in and around your home.
- Inspect your gutters and make sure they are in working order.
How do you kill an earwig?
Earwigs are not hard to kill in isolation; there are many simple methods to dispose of these pests. Handling an infestation of earwigs, on the other hand, is much more difficult. If you are having trouble with these pests around your West Palm Beach property, get the experts at Empire Pest Defence - Florida involved.
We will get these pests out fast and implement advanced solutions to make sure they stay away. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive service plans.