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While the earwig and the cockroach have a similar dark reddish-brown appearance and are oftentimes mistaken for each other, this is about the only thing they have in common. That and they are both now mainstream. The earwig has been such a topic of discussion as of late, it is now s highly revered as the cockroach. As harmful as these pests appear, with their intimidating pinchers, they only pose a threat in the garden.
They can pinch, but it’ll barely amount to more than a little nip. Along with this, there are a lot of misconceptions that follow this creepy crawler around. Amongst these, the biggest is that they burrow into people’s ears and lay eggs. This was supposed to be one of the major reasons for their namesake, but thankfully, it is just a major misconception.
Regardless, there are important things Tampa residents will need to know about this very intimidating invader.
What Are Earwigs
Despite what many might believe, the earwig is a rather safe insect. Most only live for no longer than a year and prefer well-moisturized areas. With their sharp pinchers and forceps, they can emit an intimidating appearance, but they are not poisonous, and their pinch doesn’t amount to much. In addition to this, they usually only pinch as a means of protection when they are agitated and trying to fight for survival.
This small member of the Dermapter family is usually only active at night and can grow with wings or without. The winged members of the species will possess both a front and rear set of wings. Either way, you won’t see this species flying around, as they choose to remain grounded. Although these species are rather small, there is one specific order that grows to over 3 inches long. If you think these little crawlers are intimidating, the Helena Giant Earwig will likely shake you to your very core.
Why Are They On The Property
Given their love for moisture, these crawlers are commonly found in areas like the basement, bathroom, and kitchen. Warmth is the biggest lure and likely the reason they are on your property. They are attracted to warm, dark, and damp areas where they can survive and reproduce in safety.
Other things that can draw their attention to your property are their love of plants and other arthropods. If you have a large garden or lots of indoor house plants, you can suspect a potential earwig infestation. If you are battling an existing flea or mite infestation, an earwig infestation might follow, as they are attracted to these arthropods.
Earwig Prevention And Elimination
Controlling the earwig population in and around the property starts with making the area unattractive. These problematic pinchers are drawn to moisture. Simply installing a dehumidifier or eliminating standing water can be the start. In addition to this, you’ll want to pay especially close attention to dark areas. Areas with no sunlight exposure at all stand to be extremely problematic.
These pests can sometimes be found under large stones or boards, which are other things you’ll want to consider. If you have a garden or lots of indoor plants, your property stands to be a veritable breeding ground for these creepy crawlers. Unfortunately, these areas will be much harder to control and make unattractive as well. The one thing you’ll likely need is a pesticide that can deter these pests without damaging your plants.
Unfortunately, this will be much harder without the assistance of a professional pest management firm. This is because DIY and over-the-counter pesticides just aren’t as effective as the ones we utilize. The chemicals we use to deter these pests are only available to licensed EPA exterminators. Whether you are seeking more drastic means of earwig control or just have some simple concerns regarding the pest, we want you to feel free to give our Tampa office a call.
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