an earwig crawling

There are few things as disturbing to think about as bugs crawling into your ear and laying eggs. This seems like the type of calamity one would only see in horror movies. Unfortunately, this has been a real fear for different groups of people across history. The question is, is this fear legitimate? Do earwigs go in your ear? Here are some things residents should know about the earwigs in Hudson Valley including what problems they cause.

Do Earwigs Go In Your Ear?

A long time ago people believed that earwigs crawled into people's ears and laid eggs in their brains. We are here to tell you, that this is not the case. You do not have to worry about these pests crawling into your head or having a baby earwig crawl back out.

Do Earwigs Bite?

There is no denying that earwigs are intimidating-looking pests. As for the concern about: do earwigs bite? These pests do not have the mouthparts to do so. They also do not sting.

What Attracts Earwigs?

Earwigs are typically outdoor pests. They prefer to live in mulch or garden soil and consume plant matter. They actively seek out areas that are damp and shaded from the sun. They use these areas during the day to avoid drying out in the sun and also to avoid predators that might mean them harm. All of this raises the question: what attracts earwigs to properties? And do these pests invade homes? The truth is, that earwigs prefer to live in areas with plant growth and insect activity. Their favorite foods include insects, decaying organic matter, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Earwigs find their way into homes when conditions outdoors are unfavorable to their heath. You are most likely to see these pests inside during times of extreme heat, drought, or cold.

Are Earwigs Harmful?

Although earwigs do not bite or sting people, they are still harmful pests. The main way these pests cause harm is by pinching people with their visible pinchers and damaging plants around properties. However, there is no need to worry about an earwig going out of its way to attack you. These pests are reclusive by nature and will only pinch if they feel directly threatened. Damaging plants is just something these pests do because they are hungry.

DIY Earwig Control

There are many strategies that help to deter earwigs from homes and properties. If you are looking for some good DIY earwig control tips for your property, here are some things to try today.

Remove sticks, leaf piles, and excess vegetation from your property.
Store wood and building materials a good distance from your home’s exterior.
Keep dead leaves, mulch, and other vegetation away from your home’s exterior.
Address damage to your home’s gutter system and make sure they are clean.
Fix leaky fixtures and piping in and around your home.
Fill in holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
Repair damage to your home’s window/door screens, weatherstripping, and door sweeps.

How To Get Rid Of Earwigs

If you have recently found an earwig indoors or are looking for a way to control these pests on your property, take a look at the advanced pest control options at Pestmaster® Services. We offer a range of comprehensive options to identify, prevent, and eliminate a range of area pests. What you need to do is let us know you need help. We will show you how affordable and convenient keeping your home and property pest-free really is.

Call us today to get rid of earwigs from your Hudson Valley property or if you have any questions about these pests.