Earwigs have a creepy name and a scary set of pincers, but they do not crawl into people’s ears. This is a centuries-old misconception. Earwigs are omnivorous little insects that feed mostly on decaying plants, hiding under moist piles of leaves and within the mulch of garden beds. They mostly keep to themselves and have no reason to attack humans. If there are earwigs on your property, you can keep them under control with some regular maintenance. For earwig solutions you can count on, please reach out to The Exterminators: 647-496-2211.
The term earwig is derived from Old English, where eare means “ear” and wicga means “insect.” Its origin is likely related to the old wives’ tale that earwigs burrow into human brains via the ear canal to lay their eggs. Earwigs, like other bugs, have the ability to crawl into your ear, but they have no reason to. Earwigs live in damp, sheltered environments and lay their eggs in the soil. The only time an earwig may harm a human is if it is touched and frightened. It can pinch the skin with its forceps, though this often goes unnoticed. If you have been bitten by an earwig, simply wash the wound with soap and water.
Earwigs are commonly found in gardens where they can find food and water. These insects eat rotting plants and other insects, so they are rarely found indoors. Earwigs may only come indoors to escape cold or dry weather or when they are brought in by accident. If there are earwigs on the interior of your property, call a pest remover for help. Earwigs release a scent that will attract more earwigs to the area, so it is important that you have them removed properly. Hiring a professional is more effective than using store-bought pesticides and the technician can provide you with valuable advice.
Once removed, keep earwigs out of the home by sealing the cracks in your window frames, siding, piping, and foundation with silicone caulking. Fix or replace broken window screens and move firewood and plant materials away from the walls of the home. Mow the lawn on a regular basis and discard grass trimmings and leaves. You can also set up homemade traps to keep earwigs under control. Mix equal parts soy sauce and olive oil in a dish or container, then bury it in the soil so the opening is flush with the ground.
Earwigs have never been known to go into people’s ears and they rarely pinch. These are harmless creatures that keep to themselves and feed on decaying organic matter, providing a valuable service to the environment. Earwigs should only be of concern when they have made themselves at home indoors or if they are damaging your plants. If you have been dealing with an earwig infestation in your home or garden, reach out to The Exterminators. We provide safe and effective earwig solutions that last. Call The Exterminators today for guaranteed earwig control: 647-496-2211.
