Earwigs

Earwigs are a common household pest and are unique with the way they look. They are easily recognizable by their pinchers located at the ends of their abdomen, which are generally harmless to humans. Earwigs will actually use the pinchers when sparing with other earwigs. They are a dark reddish-brown, have light brown legs, and are about 5/8 inch long.
Female earwigs reproduce up to 20-60 eggs in a single season. They will lay their eggs in a burrow in the soil. Most species have one generation a year, and over-winter in the soil. Both adults and the young require moisture to live. Inside the home they can often be found near water sources such as beneath sinks, in bathrooms, in utility rooms, and even hanging around your pet’s water bowl. Their populations build up around foundations. Earwigs produce large populations rather quickly and are often a major problem in new subdivisions.
Earwigs are nocturnal primarily feeding at night. They are scavengers, eating dead insects and decomposing plant materials. They are also known to eat live plants and can do damage to crops.  Earwigs may look for shelter in areas with mulch, pine straw, leaf litter, and other debris. They prefer dark and damp areas like under sidewalks, and stones.
Earwigs are a common household pest and can get in through entry points like doors and windows.

Earwig Prevention Tips!

Because earwigs are attracted to moisture it is important to eliminate high moisture areas. You may not see a lot of them during the day, as they like to come out during night.
Eliminate damp moist areas especially around crawl spaces, faucets, and along the foundations. Make sure rain gutters and spouts direct water away from the house foundation and doesn’t start to pool.
Caulk or use weather stripping at all possible entry points such as doors, windows and pipes.
Create a dry border around the perimeter of the home; such as pea gravel can make an attractive barrier against earwigs and other unwanted pests.
Call Alpha Home Pest Control to help you prepare and defend your home against unwanted pests!  (208)475-4440