Earwigs can be unsettling houseguests. Despite their fearsome appearance, earwigs are more of a nuisance than a danger to humans. But what do earwigs eat in the house, and how do they find their way inside?
Earwigs generally munch on all sorts of organic matter. Indoors, they love nibbling on decaying plant material, houseplants, and even other insects like mites and aphids. They thrive in moist environments, making basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms their favorite hangouts. Superior pest control in Temecula can help keep these unwanted visitors at bay.
In this blog, we'll explore what attracts earwigs, their diet, and handy tips to prevent and control earwig infestations. Keep reading to learn how to keep these pesky critters out of your home for good.
Key Takeaways
Earwigs eat decaying organic matter, houseplants, flowers, vegetables, and small insects like mites and aphids.
Effective strategies to prevent and control earwig infestations include sealing entry points, reducing moisture, removing hiding spots, using diatomaceous earth, applying insecticides, setting traps, and using barriers around susceptible plants.
For reliable pest control tailored to Temecula and surrounding areas, the LOCAL Bug Guy offers specialized services to handle earwigs and other common pests.
Earwigs: Facts and Myths
Earwigs, often called "ear wigglers,” are fascinating insects easily recognized by their elongated bodies and distinctive pincers.
As members of the insect order Dermaptera, earwigs prefer dark, damp environments and are often found under mulch, decaying organic matter, and in the crevices of your home's foundation.
A common misconception about earwigs is that they crawl into human ears. Despite their name, earwigs do not seek out human ears and pose little danger to humans. This myth likely originated from their habit of hiding in small, dark spaces.
What Do Earwigs Eat?
Earwigs are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They eat various foods based on availability. This dietary flexibility allows them to thrive in diverse environments.
Feeding on decaying organic matter like fallen leaves and plant debris, earwigs often find ailing houseplants to be a tasty snack. They enjoy nibbling on leaves, stems, and flowers, which can cause additional earwig damage.
In their search for food, they also prey on smaller insects such as mites and aphids found in the home. Fruits and vegetables stored in the kitchen or pantry can attract earwigs as well.
Why Earwigs Invade Homes
Earwigs love damp, dark places, which makes basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms their favorite spots. These moist environments are perfect for earwig populations to thrive, especially when it gets dry outside, prompting them to seek out the humidity indoors.
How do they get inside? Earwigs can sneak in through gaps in windows, doors, and foundations, finding the smallest openings to invade your space.
And let’s not forget their hitchhiking skills. These little critters can accidentally catch a ride on your clothing, pets, or garden plants, making their way indoors after a day outside.
How Earwigs Can Impact Your Home
Earwigs may wreak havoc on houseplants, chewing on leaves, stems, and flowers.
If your plants have ragged edges or holes, these little "ear wigglers" might be to blame. They love munching on living plants, turning your garden and indoor greenery into their buffet.
Besides the plant damage, their presence inside the home, especially at night, can be unsettling. While they aren’t harmful to humans, having many earwigs indoors can make your home feel less comfortable.
8 Ways to Keep Earwigs Out of Your Home and Garden
Dealing with an earwig infestation can be a hassle, but with the right prevention and control strategies, you can keep these garden pests at bay.
Here are some practical tips to help you prevent earwigs from invading your home and wreaking havoc on your garden.
1. Seal entry points
Prevent earwigs and other insects from slipping through tiny openings by sealing cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation, windows, and doors. Check for and seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping to keep pests out.
2. Reduce moisture
Create a less inviting environment for earwigs by reducing moisture around your home. Fix any leaks promptly to prevent water damage, use dehumidifiers to lower humidity, and keep areas like basements and crawl spaces dry.
3. Remove hiding spots
Eliminate places where earwigs like to hide both inside and outside your home. Clear away mulch, plant debris, and overgrown vegetation from around your house. Inside, keep clutter to a minimum and store items off the ground.
4. Apply diatomaceous earth
Control earwig populations naturally by sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home and garden plants. This natural substance dehydrates earwigs without harming other wildlife or pets, making it a safe and effective option.
5. Carefully use insecticides
For stubborn infestations, use insecticides designed specifically for earwigs. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective application. Insecticides can help manage more persistent earwig problems when natural methods aren’t enough.
6. Set traps
Place sticky traps in areas where you’ve seen earwigs or suspect they might be hiding. These traps are a simple and effective way to catch earwigs inside your home, reducing their numbers and preventing them from causing further trouble.
7. Use barriers around susceptible plants
Protect your garden plants, especially seedlings and other susceptible species, by using barriers. These can prevent earwigs and other pests from reaching and eating your plants, helping to keep your garden thriving.
8. Seek pest control professionals
When dealing with a severe earwig infestation or if natural methods aren’t effective, consider seeking help from pest control professionals. They have the expertise and tools to manage earwig populations and protect your home and garden from further damage.
Trust LOCAL Bug Guy for Your Pest Problems
Are garden pests like earwigs causing trouble for your plants? The LOCAL Bug Guy understands how frustrating these little critters can be.
Our quick, local service specializes in dealing with earwigs and other common pests like ants and spiders. Trained to handle the unique pest challenges in Temecula and surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on our personalized approach.
Our technicians take the time to understand your specific pest issues and provide tailored solutions. From small problems with a few earwigs to larger infestations involving other insects, we’ve got you covered.
Call the LOCAL Bug Guy today for reliable and friendly pest control solutions and let us help keep your environment pest-free.
Summary
Earwigs, with their sharp pincers, can cause trouble by munching on houseplants, flowers, and vegetables. They feed on decaying organic matter, other insects, and even fruit trees, making them a versatile pest.
Preventing an infestation involves sealing entry points, reducing moisture, and removing hiding spots. For added protection, use diatomaceous earth, insecticides, and sticky traps, and consider barriers around susceptible plants to keep more earwigs at bay.
With a few tips and the right measures, you can keep your home and garden free of these pesky insects. Remember, the LOCAL Bug Guy is here to help with expert pest control tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of earwigs in your house?
To get rid of earwigs in your house, seal entry points like cracks and gaps, reduce moisture, and remove potential hiding spots. Use diatomaceous earth around entryways, set sticky traps where you've seen them, and consider insecticides for more severe infestations.
Regularly clean up plant debris and check for eggs that pests might leave behind.
Are earwigs bad for your house?
Earwigs are not inherently bad for your house as they don’t cause structural damage, but their presence can be a nuisance.
They can eat plants, flowers, and other foliage inside, potentially harming your houseplants. While they rarely bite, their pincers and sudden appearance can be unsettling.
Why do I suddenly have earwigs in my house?
Sudden earwig infestations typically occur because they are seeking moisture, food, or shelter. Changes in weather can drive them indoors, where they find damp areas, plant debris, and other bugs to eat.
Ensure your home is dry, and seal entry points to prevent more earwigs from entering.
What is an earwig's favorite food?
An earwig’s favorite food includes decaying plant matter, small insects, and the foliage of plants and flowers. They also feed on aphids, snails, and other arthropods, making them both pests and occasional predators in gardens and homes.
What do earwigs attract?
Earwigs attract other pests by creating favorable conditions with their presence, such as moisture and food sources. Their activity can draw in predators like spiders and birds that feed on them.
Earwigs are often found near plants, flowers, and decaying organic matter, which can also attract snails, slugs, and other bugs to your garden.
Do earwigs bite?
Earwigs do not bite humans, but they can pinch with their sharp pincers if threatened. These pinches are generally harmless, though they can be startling. Earwigs primarily use their pincers for defense and hunting smaller insects, not for attacking humans.
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