When it comes to earwigs, there are lots of urban legends and tall tales. And given the extra-creepy appearance of these bugs, it’s easy to see why folks get some wild ideas about the dangers of earwigs. So, if you’ve spotted earwigs on your Allen property and are wondering what to do, we’ve put together the answers to Allen’s most common earwig questions.
What Do Earwigs Do In Your Ear?
The first thing you should know is that earwigs DO NOT crawl into your ears to lay eggs or to feast on your brain. That’s an old wives' tale that dates back centuries. The term earwig actually comes from the Old English ear wicga, meaning “ear creature,” which gives you an idea of just how long rumors about these pests have been going around.
Earwigs aren’t attracted to or interested in your ears. They would much rather eat decaying vegetation or other insects than your brain and prefer to lay their eggs under wet leaves and not your ear canals. The truth is that earwigs are no more likely than any other bug to slither into your ears, which is to say, very unlikely.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
One look at an earwig and you’ve got to figure that they must be dangerous. But while those long pincers sure are intimidating, they aren’t meant for you. Earwigs can use their rear pincers to deliver a painful pinch to your skin, but the true purpose of the pincers is to battle for dominance among other earwigs, not to attack people.
Earwigs aren’t especially dangerous pests. They don’t have a venomous bite or sting and are not likely to transmit disease. The only danger that earwigs pose is the possible mental distress that comes with knowing you’ve got an earwig infestation.
How Did An Earwig Get In My Bed?
Earwigs are attracted to high levels of moisture and humidity. When earwigs find a nice, moist habitat with lots of decaying vegetation to eat, they will quickly populate the area. So, if you’ve found an earwig in your bed or anywhere else indoors, it’s probably because your home or business is nearby to an earwig-friendly environment.
Organic debris like leaf piles and compost heaps in your yard can be attractive to earwigs. Piles of firewood and rotten logs are other common spots for earwigs to congregate. Even moist soil under decks and porches can be conducive to earwig infestations.
If there are cracks or gaps on the exterior of your property, the earwigs you have outdoors may find their way in. The best way to prevent earwigs from getting indoors is to maintain your yard and eliminate any decaying organic debris. Reduce moisture by fixing any leaks or clearing clogged gutters and drains that cause oversaturated soil. Then, seal any cracks or gaps on the exterior of your property with silicone caulk.
How do you kill earwigs?
The best way to get rid of earwigs on your Anna property is with help from the pros at Adams Exterminating Company. With a variety of affordable residential pest control programs to choose from as well as expert commercial pest control services for your business, we have the solutions you need for earwigs or any other troublesome pests that are plaguing you.
Since 1947, Adams Exterminating Company has provided reliable pest control to our customers in North Texas. Today, our knowledgeable staff and environmentally friendly treatments make us the top choice for over 10,000 homes and businesses. So, if you’ve got earwigs or any other pests on your Anna property, get in touch with us today to request your free estimate.