Earwig infestations are rare, but they can be difficult to manage. Earwigs are semi-social creatures that will signal to each other when an area is safe, so if you have spotted one earwig on your property, it is likely that there are several more nearby. These are troublesome pests, but there are some natural methods that you can use to get rid of earwigs effectively. For earwig control that you can count on, call The Exterminators. We provide earwig solutions to households across the Greater Toronto Area.
Earwigs are omnivorous insects that are commonly found in gardens during the summertime. These are flat, reddish brown bugs with tiny wings on their backs and pincers on their abdomens. Earwigs in Ontario feed mostly on rotting plant matter and prefer to live in cool, moist environments, so they are rarely seen indoors. When they are, it is usually because they were brought into the home by accident, or they crawled in to escape the weather. Earwigs will infest humid basements and bathrooms when it is too hot and dry outside or when the temperature drops in the fall.
To get rid of earwigs naturally, you can make a homemade trap. Simply pour a mixture of equal parts soy sauce and olive in a container and place it in areas of earwig activity. The soy sauce will lure the pests into the container and the oil will make them drown. You can also spray earwigs and infested areas with an equal mix of water and rubbing alcohol to dry the pests out. Diatomaceous earth is another alternative that you can buy in stores. Spread the powder along the sides of the foundation and in areas of earwig activity.
For long-term results, make your home and garden less attractive to earwigs and make it harder for them to get inside. Fix leaky faucets and consider setting up a dehumidifier in the basement to manage humidity. Store food in sealed containers and vacuum regularly. Then, fix or replace your window screens and seal every crack you find in the walls with silicone caulking. Because earwigs love wet and rotting plant materials, move these away from the sides of the home. This includes firewood, compost, leaf piles and grass cuttings. Always inspect patio furniture and other objects before bringing them into the garage.
While these are effective methods of earwig control, consider hiring a pest remover for help. Professionals use safe, high quality insecticides that are specifically formulated to target earwigs. They are thoroughly trained in all forms of pest control for your safety and peace of mind. Professionals can also identify the causes of your earwig problem and provide you with strategies that keep them out for good. Call The Exterminators today for affordable earwig control services that you can count on: 647-496-2211.
