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At Dodson Pest Control, we’ve seen our fair share of creepy crawlies, but few pests elicit quite the same reaction as earwigs. These little insects certainly look intimidating with their long bodies and sharp pincers. You may have also heard of the old wives tale that earwigs will crawl into people’s ears while they sleep. Don’t be alarmed, it’s not true—earwigs won’t just randomly crawl into your ear. But that said, like any other pest, spotting them in your home in large numbers is certainly unpleasant.

Today we’ll discuss everything you need to know about earwigs, including how to get rid of them if you find them around your home.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are nocturnal pincher bugs typically about 1/4-1 inch long, with brown or black bodies, six legs, antennae, and a leathery appearance on their exoskeletons. Earwigs are most often recognized for their intimidating-looking pincers at the end of their abdomens. While their pincers might look scary, they’re most often used for defense and to catch prey. Earwigs do have wings tucked away under their wing covers, however, they’re not particularly good flyers, so you’re more likely to see them scurrying around on the ground.

Do Earwigs Bite?

Here’s the good news: earwigs are not dangerous to humans. Despite their menacing appearance, these household pests are actually quite timid and they’d much rather run away from you than approach you. Earwigs don’t bite, but if you pick one up, it may try to pinch you. That being said, their pincers are highly unlikely to break human skin. They’re not poisonous and don’t spread disease.

Why Earwigs Infest Homes

Like many other pests, earwigs are on the lookout for a warm home with easy access to food and water. As the weather continues cooling down this fall, you may find them trying to enter your home in search of warmth and protection from the outdoor elements. They’re most often found near sinks and showers, but they’re also known to make their way into living spaces like bedrooms and dining rooms. Because of the warm, humid environments, they also often inhabit basements and crawl spaces. Here are a few reasons that earwigs enter homes:

Food sources: While earwigs are omnivores that primarily feed on plants, aphids, and other insects, they’re not picky eaters. If offered, earwigs will eat crumbs, pet food, and even the occasional houseplant.

Moisture: Earwigs are especially drawn to damp, humid environments. If your home has areas with high humidity or water leaks, you’re most likely to find earwigs hanging out there.

Shelter: As it gets colder outside, earwigs may start seeking warmth inside your home. They’re particularly fond of dark, secluded spots including basements, crawl spaces, and under sinks.

Light: Like many other insects, earwigs are attracted to light sources. If you regularly leave lights on around your home including porch lights, you may be inadvertently inviting earwigs into your home.

How To Get Rid Of Earwigs

While earwigs aren’t particularly dangerous, you probably don’t want them to take up residence in your home. Luckily, there are steps you can take to control the earwig population around your house as well as prevent them from returning. Here are some of our top tips for removing earwigs:

Reduce moisture: Since earwigs love hanging out in warm, humid environments, reducing moisture around your home is a great first step to getting rid of them. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets and consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas like your basement or bathroom.

Seal entry points: The best way to stop an earwig infestation is to prevent it before it ever starts. Earwigs are pros at entering your home through teensy cracks and crevices around the doors and foundation of your house. Checking your home’s exterior for cracks and crevices and sealing any open areas with caulk will help keep earwigs from entering. Also, consider covering any vents or chimneys with a fine mesh screen.

Remove hiding places: Since earwigs love to hide out in covered areas in and around your home, removing any potential hiding spots will help you spot them sooner. Keep your yard free of any debris, fallen leaves, excess mulch, or overgrown vegetation, and store firewood as far away from your home as you’re able to. Garden plants and flower beds also tend to attract earwigs, so keeping them farther away from your home is a smart idea.

Reduce outdoor lighting: Earwigs are attracted to light sources, so reducing any unnecessary light around your home can help keep them away. Consider using yellow-toned “bug lights” outside your home instead of white light. Turning off any lights that don’t need to be used, especially around entry points, can also prevent earwigs away from entering your house.

If you’re still finding earwigs around your home after trying out DIY removal methods, it’s time for you to call in a professional pest control company. A pest control professional will be able to assess the situation and offer effective removal solutions.

If You’re Trying To Get Rid of Earwigs Around Your Home, Dodson Pest Control Can Help. 

If you find that you’re experiencing large numbers of earwigs or other pests, don’t hesitate to call in the pest control professionals! At Dodson Pest Control, we have 80 years of experience with eradicating pests like earwigs. We’re able to get rid of your earwig infestation quickly and thoroughly, as well as offer tips for preventing future infestations.

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