What Attracts Ear-wigs To My House?

Ear-wigs. These bugs are so creepy that they have become the stuff of legends. While very rare, some unlucky people might find one of these bugs crawling into their ear. However, most of the myths about earwigs are unfounded. According to one of the said myths, an earwig will crawl into a person’s ear and then burrow into the brain, where they lay eggs and make people go insane. This is totally untrue. However, earwigs can cause many other problems when they are inside your homes. They may not burrow into your brain, but they can crawl out from underneath a tub and scare the wits out of an unsuspecting person who has just stepped out of the shower.

Though earwigs do not bite, they can pinch. Fortunately, a pinch from an earwig is unlikely to break the skin. These insects are not known to spread harmful bacteria or human pathogens. However, if you are seeing them inside your home, it is likely that there are other pests inside that do spread diseases and illnesses. Other than that, although earwigs are mostly harmless, of course, your home will still be better off without them. After all, they can give quite a scare with their creepy, alien-looking appearance. And if they have invaded your garden, they can cause holes in garden plants and do damage to tender shoots.

What attracts Ear-wigs to my house?

• Moisture

There are many conditions that can allow the soil around your home to become moist. Broken or obstructed gutters let water flow down the side of your home instead of being channelled away from your foundation. Additionally, bushes and shrubs can create shaded areas where the sun can’t dry up the moisture after it rains. Compacted areas of ground can also hold rainwater. Other than that, slants can run the rain toward your home instead of away from it. All of these will make the ground moist and therefore lure earwigs in. Correcting these conditions and keeping things dry should be your priority in order to resist earwigs.

• Rotting Wood

Moisture conditions usually lead to rotting wood, and rotting wood attracts many bugs and wild animals that chew on them. When holes develop, earwigs feel right at home. In nature, earwigs can be found living in tree holes. Needless to say, they can’t possibly tell the difference between your home and a tree.

• Leaf Litter

If you rake up a pile of leaves, you will create the perfect location for earwigs to live and breed. These insects love the moisture and shade. They will also take advantage of several leaves laying on the ground. That is why it is always a good idea to do a thorough clean-up during autumn.

• Wood Piles

Whether you have firewood, construction materials, or a pile of sticks, earwigs will love you for it. These are all ideal locations for earwigs to lay their eggs and grow their populations. It is always a good idea to keep woodpiles away from your home so that earwigs don’t accidentally find their way into your home.

• Flowers, Plants, and Gardens

Do you have a green thumb? If you do, you know that earwigs and vegetation go together. This is because they feed on vegetation and tiny insects that feed on vegetation. A garden or flower bed is highly attractive to the insects. And, if earwigs have been drawn into your yard because of your plants, it sets the conditions for them to come into your home when it gets too cold, too dry, or too wet outside for them. And, yes, they also get inside when it’s too wet. While earwigs are moisture pests, they can be driven out of the soil if the ground becomes oversaturated. If they find cracks in your foundation or exterior walls, they may exploit them to find refuge from the rising water.

• Humidity

Inside a home, earwigs will look for all of the above. Homes that have a crawl space underneath or a basement that has a dirt floor are more likely to become these insects’ new home. Sealing your crawl space, adding a dehumidifier, and keeping firewood outside of your home, can help to make earwigs feel unwelcome. However, do keep in mind that earwigs love to explore. They can get into every part of your home as they search for ideal harborage and food options.

How did Ear-wigs get inside my house?

Ear-wigs enter homes by crawling inside through cracks, gaps and holes that lead inside the structure. These common entry points include gaps around poorly sealed doors and windows; through crevices and gaps in the areas where foundations meet siding; through unscreened attics and foundation vents; and through access doors leading into crawl spaces. In addition, earwigs readily enter structures through homeowner activities. For example, earwigs may get inside with bundles of newspapers, boxes, lumber, books and plants that are moved inside a home or business. It is also common for earwigs to move inside from their outdoor habitats and locations when lights attract them.

Also, earwigs might have been brought in accidentally. If boxes were stored in a wet garage area, for example, and earwigs found those boxes hospitable, they might have infested the boxes. Later on, when those boxes are brought inside, earwigs could become unwanted guests for the homeowner. Another way for earwigs to be brought in is if they are living under plants between a plant pot and the saucer. If people bring these in during the winter, it’s highly likely that earwigs will follow them inside.

How to get rid of Ear-wigs?

To prevent earwigs from entering your home, you will need to seal off all cracks, holes, and crevices that provide an entry point. Replace or repair broken screens, vents, door and window frames. You should also eliminate all sources of moisture that attract the earwigs, like fixing leaky pipes and running a dehumidifier in damp rooms. These tips will help, but most likely you will still experience the dreaded “pincher bug”.

You’ve seen them, you know you don’t want them and you need to get rid of them. The only way to eliminate them completely from your home and property is by calling the professionals at City Pest Control Services in Canberra and Queanbeyan areas. You will be guaranteed great results!

What’s even better than getting rid of “pincher bugs” completely? That’s easy, keeping them away with year-round pest control services! Our services are fully insured and accredited to ensure customer satisfaction each and every time.