Earwigs are the most common pests found in the homes and gardens and can damage flowers, fruits and vegetables if they are in large quantity. They have a life span of one year and usually die during winter moths. This kind of pest was introduced from Europe and has no enemies except for man. This insect is rapidly growing in numbers.
Normally, earwigs reddish brown in color and the adult ones are about 12-19 mm (1/2" - 3/4") long. Both male and female member of earwig family have a pair of large, curved forceps at the rear of their body. Mature earwigs have a pair of wings but they rarely fly.
They enter houses for the search of food and shelter. Earwigs hide themselves in dark secluded places at day times and hunt at night.
Earwigs moves from one location to other through the agency of man. They crawl into any available hidden places during day time and wanders at night.
Questions & Answers
How do l recognize an earwig?
Canada’s most common earwig is European earwig. It can be identified by the base of abdomen that has forceps-like appendages. Males are longer than female members of this family and have a color that ranges from reddish to dark brown. Its flat, elongated body measures 12 to 19 mm (1/2" - 3/4").
Do earwigs cause damage?
Yes, they are very beneficial for plants but inside the house they pests.
When are earwigs most common?
Earwigs are most common during the warm summer months- June, July and August.
When am I most likely to see earwigs?
Earwigs are mostly active at night as they are from nocturnal family
Where do you find earwigs?
Earwigs like dark, moist habitat beneath stones, boards, sidewalks and debris and can be found at these places. At homes, they can be seen in basements crawling under rugs, cushions, baseboards and dark, damp crevices.
Are earwigs hazardous to humans?
Earwigs may look dangerous but they are not. They cannot do anything more than a slight pinch. Earwigs are not dangerous for humans as their forceps are used for defense and courtship and cannot harm humans.
What are their breeding habits? Do they multiply quickly?
The female member of earwig family can lay 300 eggs, twice a year. Its eggs hatch in about three months. Female earwig guards and lays eggs in groups of 5 to 8 cm under the soil. It protects newly hatched young till its first molt.
Earwigs multiply at a fast rate so an infestation can soon number in the thousands.
Do earwigs die off in cold months?
Earwigs become inactive during the cold weather and to escape from cold they can even tunnel as deep as 1.8 m (6 feet) below the soil surface. The infected area will have more number of earwigs, if any suffering area is not checked in summers.
Can weather conditions affect the size of an earwig infestation?
Yes, weather conditions affect the size of earwig infestation as moist season will promote large number of earwigs outdoor but in summers they will enter in house in the search of moisture.
Can I do anything to prevent an earwig infestation on my property?
Yes, you can prevent your place from earwigs by eliminating debris - grass cuttings, mulch patches and wood heaps around your property.
If i have infection of earwigs ,what can be done?
Maple Pest Control has special products and equipments to help you to get rid of them. Please Contact your nearest Maple pest Control services to get earwigs eliminated from your place.
Preparation Guidelines for Treatment
To have full control Maple will inspect all areas in your house especially hidden areas such as laundry, storage, kitchen, and bathroom areas and outside of your house. Vacant the wall/floor so that junctions can be accessed.
Make the premises empty during treatment and do not re-enter for at least 4 hours after treatment.
People suffering from heart, kidney, respiratory diseases, pregnant women and infants should consult the doctor before treatment of bug and remain away for at least 24 hours after treatment.
