If you notice an earwig inside your house, it’s got there by accident or as it sought shelter from the rain, snow, or other undesirable weather elements. Earwigs are outside creatures that prefer a damp, dark habitat.  You’ll find them under rocks, around outdoor faucets, and in woodpiles. But exactly what are earwigs and how can you prevent them from your property?  

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs measure ¼” to 1-inch in length. They have flattened bodies and range in color from a pale brown to a dark black. The two pincers on the back of the Earwig's abdomen cause it to look pretty frightening. It is those pincers that create the fear of the Earwig that many people have. An old Wives Tale says earwigs climb inside your ear where they lay eggs and eat away at your brain. This tale is untrue in case you needed confirmation. Earwigs have pincers that help them fend off predators which causes many people to fear the pest. As nocturnal creatures, Earwigs are active at night. They can be found in dark, damp areas of the lawn and garden. Earwigs live outdoors and feed mainly on insects and decomposing plants.  The garden is the most at-risk area when Earwigs come around.  

How to Prevent Earwigs

Dealing with the headaches caused by Earwigs is a thing of the past. Follow the information below to prevent earwigs on your property. Indoor Earwig infestations are extremely rare. When Earwigs come inside, they do so to escape weather elements or by mistake. If Earwigs become a problem,  consider using a pesticide as treatment. Pesticides are sold at pest control stores, online, home improvement stores, and other locations. A few tips to help prevent earwigs on the outside of your property:

• Eliminate Earwig hiding spots on your lawn, including leaf piles
• Keep leaves, mulch, etc. six to 12-inches from your home’s foundation
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent shading for Earwigs

Southern Pride Pest Control is a full-service pest control company headquartered in Muscle Shoals, AL. SPPC specializes in pest control and prevention services including termite control, rodent control, bed bug control, ant control, and mosquito control, and can even help with moisture control around your residence or commercial property. Established in 2010, Southern Pride PestControl is a reliable source for quality pest-management solutions delivered by a team you can trust. Call us today for any of your pest control needs.