Earwigs

Professional Earwig Pest Control Detroit MI

The earwig became popular due to a tale that claimed the insect was initially discovered living in the human brain, which was accessed through the ear canal. The story also claims the earwig reproduced in the victim’s brain. Of course, the story was never confirmed. So, it continues to be a fable.

The earwig is a Dermaptera member, with a long, slender body, three sets of legs, two antennas, and tong-like “cerci.” The earwig cerci are pincers utilized when foraging for food, fighting off predatory insects and animals, and mating.

Earwigs have two sets of membranous wings – one set in the front and another set in the rear. The insect does not put its flying capabilities to use very often.

The Saint Helena giant earwig species is the largest of its kind. Compared to most other earwig species, the Saint Helena giant is about one inch larger.

Why Are Earwigs Infesting My Detroit Home?

Earwigs are drawn to the indoors when the outdoor temperatures become unbearable. The insect infiltrates buildings – residential and commercial – to escape the elements outdoors. Like many other insect species, the earwig is an overwintering pest, a classification utilized in reference to insect species that overwinter throughout the winter season. Overwintering is a dormant state similar to that of hibernation. A broad range of insect species meets the criteria to be classified as an overwintering pest. Besides the earwig, the stinkbug, ladybug, box elder bug, ant, and cluster fly, all overwinter.

Earwigs are nocturnal insects, meaning they are active at night. Their favorite hiding place is dark, damp, warm, and discrete. After home infiltration, the earwig can be found living underneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks, in basements, crawlspaces, and shower rooms, and other damp, dark areas.

The diet consists of various plant species and arthropods – flea and mite. Earwigs tend to mimic other overwintering pest species, they begin to initiate home infiltration attempts beginning in late fall. This behavior continues until the earwig is successful or overwintering kicks in.

Do Earwigs Pose A Health Threat To Children?

No, these nuisance pests do not transmit disease to humans or animals. While earwigs are solitary insects, they will oftentimes accompany other insect species indoors. If you discover an earwig in your home, it is likely there are other overwintering pests present as well. Keeping this in mind, earwigs do not infest homes. But, a pest infestation is possible when more than a few insect feces are present, whether they are detected or overlooked.

Earwigs do cause structural damage to some flower and plant species. They are also known to feed on rotten organic material, which is how they are helpful to the environment. They break down various forms of substances naturally found in the environment, resulting in enrichment in the soil.

How Do Exterminators Suggest Detroit Homeowners Get Rid Of Earwigs?

Getting rid of earwigs is not as simple as it may at firm seem. First and foremost, the earwig is nocturnal. So, unless you are up all night, you will unlikely detect the insect. Another reason why these insects are difficult to locate indoors is they do not build nests. Nesting helps exterminators find insects’ indoor hiding places. In this case, there are not nests, increasing the difficulty of the pest control process.

Your best option is to eliminate the risk of earwig infiltration right from the get-go. How can I do this? You can start by replacing outdoor mercury or neon vapor lighting fixtures with sodium vapor lighting fixtures. This will allow you to make the exterior of your home look less attractive to the earwig.

When Will The Exterminator Be Available For My Earwig Inspection?

After submitting your earwig inspection request to our Detroit location, it can take another 24 to 48 hours to complete the processing. Our customer support team will contact you regarding the appointment, no later than 48 hours in most cases.

Running through early spring and late fall, earwig activity is at its highest. This is when Detroit’s pest control service demand is at its highest as well.

Does Earwig Pest Control Harm Plants, Trees, And Crops?

Yes, but only when it is mishandled or misused. We believe pesticides and insecticides stamped with the US Environmental Protection (EPA) approval pose fewer environmental risks compared to non-approved brands. All pesticides sold in the United States must be approved by the EPA.

Our exterminators heed the pesticide regulation set forth by the EPA. They never administer chemical pesticides in occupied homes. Doing so would put the occupants at risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals found in conventional pest control products.

How Can I Protect My Home From A Repeat Earwig Infiltration?

There are several ways to pest-proof your home. First, you must repair and update your home’s vulnerable pest barrier. Search for access points around window and door frames, air conditioning ductwork, damaged foundations, basement or crawlspace vents, entrance door thresholds, and garage doors. Seal all gaps, cracks, and crevices with a waterproof sealant to keep earwigs out of your home from here on out.

Transitioning from mercury vapor light bulbs to sodium vapor light bulbs will discourage the earwig from preying on your home. Last, but not least, we suggest taking advantage of our professional earwig prevention. Every pest control prevention starts with an in-home or in-business visual inspection. During the process, the inspector is searching for signs that point to an earwig infiltration. All data collected is applied to a prevention strategy.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.