Earwigs have been around for millions of years, with fossil evidence dating back to the Jurassic period. These insects have a flattened, long body with a distinct pair of pincers at the bottom of their body and are a common creepy crawler that many pest control companies treat. There are common misconceptions regarding earwigs. When it comes to treating these insects in your home, there are some important facts we should know.
False: This is the most common misconception of earwigs. Despite their name, earwigs typically lay their eggs in damp environments and around vegetation. These insects are omnivores and while they primarily feed on plants, they also consume other insects, decaying matter, and even small prey. Laying their eggs close to vegetation is vital to their survival. The name likely originates from an old superstition or folk belief that earwigs would crawl into people’s ears, however, this behavior has been found to be extremely rare.
False: Even though earwigs are primarily nocturnal, they can also be seen during the day, especially in cloudy or overcast conditions. Earwigs are usually found in damp environments, specifically old debris. If you notice earwigs in your area, it is important to fix any leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage throughout the home so you can ensure there are no damp areas.
True: Earwigs have two pairs of wings attached to their body, but not all species are capable of flight. Species that are capable of flying can only fly short distances. Those that can fly typically only fly or glide from one small distance to the next and are rarely in a sustained aerial movement. Most species have reduced or vestigial wings and are not capable of flying.
True: Because these insects’ diet most commonly consists of vegetation, earwigs are common pests when it comes to gardens. Earwigs feed on a variety of plant materials, flowers, leaves, and fruits.
False: Earwigs are not social creatures and prefer to live on their own. While these bugs may be found in close proximity to one another, they do not form colonies or partake in social behaviors, like ants or bees. You can rest assured that if you see an earwig in your home, you most likely will not find a large colony of them huddled together.
The best thing you can do to keep bugs from entering your home is to keep all cracks and crevices sealed. Ensure that all windows and doors are properly sealed so that there are no potential entryways into your home. If you find yourself with an earwig infestation that is too much to handle on your own, call the professionals! Here at Insight Pest Solutions, we are always happy to help!