What Do Earwigs Look Like?
Earwigs are insects with elongated, flat bodies that are typically reddish-brown to black in color. They have thread-like, segmented antennae and six legs, and are most recognized for the pincers at the tip of their abdomen. Earwigs are approximately 1/4 to 1 inch long. Despite the old wives’ tale, earwigs do not crawl into people’s ears at night and lay eggs.
What are the Signs of an Earwig Infestation?
Earwigs typically do not leave direct signs other than the sighting of the insect itself. They are rarely seen due to their nocturnal activity. Earwigs prefer dark, damp environments and are often found outdoors underneath mulch, logs, and stones. Occasionally, these pests will wander indoors through foundation cracks to find food or shelter. Once indoors, earwigs are usually found in basements, bathrooms, and potted plants.
Earwig Control in Milwaukee, WI
Earwigs can be a nuisance for many homeowners. Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control offers earwig pest control and extermination services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Our highly trained pest management professionals provide reliable and long-lasting solutions to eliminate nuisance earwigs for homeowners and businesses.
How to Prevent Earwigs?
The following prevention tips will help deter earwigs from your property.
- Use a dehumidifier to dry out your basement or bathroom.
- Fix and repair any leaky pipes, faucets, and hoses.
- Seal off any gaps or cracks in the foundation, exterior walls, doors, and windows.
- Place weather stripping around windows and doors.
Are Earwigs Harmful?
Despite the scary-looking pincers, earwigs are harmless insects. They can pinch you, but their pincers are not strong enough to pierce human skin. Earwigs are mainly a nuisance pest and can leave behind stains if squished.
Earwig FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What do earwigs eat?
Earwigs are omnivores and eat leaves, fungi, aphids, flies, fruits, vegetables, spiders, caterpillars, and springtails.
Do earwigs pinch or bite?
Earwigs don't bite and only pinch when threatened. Though their pincers look scary, they are not strong enough to pierce human skin
Do earwigs go in your ear?
Despite the superstition, earwigs do not go into people’s ears at night to lay eggs or feed on the brain.
Are earwigs poisonous?
Earwigs are not poisonous or venomous. Their pincers are not toxic and are harmless to humans.