There aren’t many insects weirder than the earwig. From their odd bodies to the name itself, earwigs are a strange pest to come across in your Allen, Texas home. Because of their alien features, as well as some old wives' tales, many people believe that earwigs can cause serious health problems in your home. How true are those old wives' tales, and why are earwigs bothering your Allen property? Let’s identify and explain these odd pests and how to prevent them from getting inside.
Earwig Identification Tips
Earwigs share some characteristics with other insects, but they are their own order of pests. Earwigs grow anywhere between ¼ of an inch and one inch long, and their coloring ranges from tan to reddish-brown.
An earwig’s head looks similar to an ant’s, with a triangular face, two eyes, and two short antennae. Six legs protrude from the earwig’s middle, and they have two skin-colored wings on top. Some earwigs can fly, but they prefer the ground.
At the end of their long-ish abdomen, two rod-like tails called “cerci” rest and curve into each other. These cerci detect movement behind the earwig, allowing them to escape quickly if any danger approaches.
You are most likely to encounter an earwig near cool, damp spaces. Kitchens and bathrooms are common places to see these odd looking pests, though basements and attics are also earwig hideouts.
Are Earwigs In Texas Dangerous?
Luckily, the old wives' tales about earwigs aren’t true. The pest gets its name from an urban legend that earwigs crawl into your ear and lay eggs in your head. Earwigs don’t do any such thing; in fact, they are hardly dangerous at all.
Earwigs are a nuisance pest, meaning the worst they can do is frighten you. Naturally, many people are nervous to get near these insects, since they look so awkward and weirdly shaped. Additionally, they do have pincers, but they rarely break your skin if they pinch you, and they don’t spread serious disease. Earwigs are more unsightly than anything else.
6 Earwig Prevention Tips
Earwigs certainly disturb Allen homeowners, so these pests belong somewhere other than your home. Luckily, the following six prevention tips will help keep these pests out.
- Seal your home’s exterior. Cracks in your home’s masonry can invite pests in, so check that your doors, windows, and vents are properly sealed.
- Reduce moisture in the home. If your kitchen or bathroom isn’t well ventilated, earwigs will likely camp out there.
- Drain standing water outdoors. Puddles are a common attraction for both earwigs and other pests.
- Check your packages. Earwigs are known to hitchhike inside, especially if you have flowers or sweets delivered to your door.
- Keep your yard maintained. Outside, earwigs often crowd around dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves, dead wood, and mulch. Leaving these things in your yard is a huge earwig attraction.
- Limit the number of young plants in your garden. Earwigs often feed on saplings and young vegetation, ruining your garden before moving indoors.
Though earwigs aren’t dangerous, they belong far away from your Allen, TX property. If you’re struggling to deal with earwigs on your own, the pest professionals at Adams Exterminating Company are here to help. Contact us today, and let’s talk about how to kick these alien bugs for good.