The first time homeowners see earwigs, it can be startling. These reddish-brown to black insects have scary-looking pincers extending from their hind end, and their long, flat bodies look leathery. If you lift a pile of lawn debris and expose earwigs, you’ll notice they congregate in large numbers, and they will quickly run away.
Whether you find earwigs taking over your garden or invading your home, these pests can be quite a nuisance. Females earwigs lay between 40 and 50 eggs at a time, hatching in about a week, making it challenging to control these pests. If you struggle with earwig removal in your yard or home, this article will provide everything you need to control these pests.
We’ll begin by describing how to identify earwig damage in your garden and landscape and debunk some common myths surrounding these pests. We’ll also provide eco-friendly tips to help keep earwigs in and around your home away. Continue reading to learn more about earwigs and how to get rid of an infestation with the experts from GOTBUGSIKILL.
Identifying Earwig Damage In Gardens And Landscapes
Many pests can cause damage to your garden and landscape, and if you only see the evidence of their destruction and not the culprits themselves, it is hard to determine the best way to control them. The following list describes the damage and signs of earwigs in your garden or landscape:
You might notice seedlings missing all or parts of their stem and leaves.
The leaves on fruit trees and older plants may have chew marks around the edges or have a lot of irregular holes.
Stone fruits like apricots can have shallow gouges or holes extending far into the fruit.
Earwigs will chew holes in flowers like zinnias, dahlias, and marigolds, causing severe damage.
If you are having trouble identifying the pests causing problems in your yard, the experts at GOTBUGSIKILL are here to assist you. Contact us today to learn more about our earwig and pest control services or to schedule your free inspection.
Debunking Common Myths About Earwigs In Boca Raton
You will likely hear some myths about earwigs if you mention a potential earwig problem to your friends or neighbors. The most common (and farfetched) is an old European myth that earwigs in the house will crawl in your ears at night and tunnel into your brain while you sleep. Thankfully, this myth is untrue, but it can be hard to forget that imagery when trying to fall asleep at night.
A myth that likely grew out of the earwigs in the ear tale is that these pests are dangerous to people. But they can only hurt you with a pinch if you try to handle them, and even then, they can’t break the skin.
One final myth that can lead to problems is that they will only infest gardens and landscapes. Earwigs in the yard often move indoors if outside conditions aren’t comfortable, mainly too hot or dry. Contact us today at GOTBUGSIKILL for assistance eliminating earwigs in your home or yard.
Eco-Friendly Earwig Control Products And Methods
Several effective eco-friendly earwig control products and methods can help you keep these nuisance pests from invading your home. Products containing essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus can help to repel these insects. You’ll also want to eliminate potential entryways by sealing cracks and crevices and installing screens over the attic and foundation vents.
Because earwigs have high moisture requirements, installing a dehumidifier in damp areas like crawl spaces can also help. The pros at GOTBUGSIKILL can help you determine how and why these insects are a problem on your property. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get rid of earwigs or to schedule your free inspection.
Addressing Earwig Infestations: Tips And Tricks
Remedying certain factors on your property can help to eliminate an infestation. Here are some tips and tricks to get rid of earwigs:
Clean up leaves and debris piles in the yard.
Create a perimeter around your home free of organic materials like mulch, logs, and vegetation.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.
Keep your gutters clear and ensure downspouts don’t cause water to pool.
If, despite your best efforts, these pests continue to be a problem, calling an earwig exterminator in Boca Raton is the next step. Contact us today at GOTBUGSIKILL for help eliminating earwigs and preventing another infestation.
