How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House

Earwigs are usually spotted outdoors, which makes them all the more disturbing inside the house. They are harmless to humans, but their pincers and creepy demeanour are terrifying to most people. These are pesky little bugs that can be difficult to get rid of. However, they can be removed with the right approach and kept under control with proper maintenance. If you have been struggling with an earwig problem, call The Exterminators and a technician will be there soon with a comprehensive solution: 647-496-2211.

Earwigs are insects of the order Dermaptera, which consists of roughly 2000 species. In Canada, the European earwig is the most common. This species has a flat, dark brown, elongated body that measures up to 2cm in length. Like other earwigs, it has a small pair of wings on its back and a large pincer at the base of the abdomen. Earwigs in Canada are attracted to cool, damp environments, so they are usually found in shaded gardens, basements, and bathrooms. If there are earwigs in your home, you may notice a foul odour and see them scurrying in the crevices of humid rooms at night.

There are a variety of ways in which you can get rid of earwigs. You can crush them, vacuum them up, or spray them with a solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol to eliminate them on the spot. You can also apply boric acid powder, diatomaceous earth, or liquid pesticides in areas of earwig activity. This will eliminate the pests when they walk onto those surfaces. Alternatively, you can make a trap. Mix equal parts soy sauce an olive oil in a small container and place it where you have seen earwigs. The pests will climb into the container and drown.

To keep earwigs out, remove what is attracting them to your property and seal all entry points. Start by tidying up the basement, then setting up a dehumidifier to reduce moisture. Check that your bathroom exhaust fans are in good working order and fix all leaky faucets. Then, move vegetation and firewood away from the home. Reduce the number of shady, wet areas where the pests could hide. Finally, seal the cracks in your window frames, door frames, and siding with caulking or expanding foam. You can seal cracks in the foundation with concrete or silicone.

Getting rid of earwigs yourself can be a challenge because these insects release a scent that attracts more earwigs to the area. As such, the problem may worsen with time and you may need professional assistance. The most reliable way to get rid of earwigs is to hire a pest removal company. Pest removers use insecticides that are much more effective than those available to the public and they have the experience to determine the causes of your problem. If there are earwigs on your property and you want them gone, contact The Exterminators. We provide lasting solutions to all household pests.

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