Earwigs
Forficula auricularia
Earwigs are reddish-brown insects measuring 5/8 to 3/4 inch long with distinctive pincers (forceps) at the rear of their abdomen. Males have curved forceps while females have straight ones. Despite having wings folded under short wing covers, they rarely fly. The old wives' tale that they crawl into human ears is unfounded.
Habitat & Behavior
Earwigs are moisture-loving insects that live outdoors in mulch, leaf litter, under rocks and boards, in compost piles, and among ground cover. They hide during the day in cool, moist, dark places and become active at night. They enter homes accidentally through cracks, gaps under doors, and through foundation openings, typically when outdoor conditions become too hot or dry.
Signs of Infestation
- Live earwigs found in bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, or kitchens
- Dead earwigs near doors, windowsills, or in light fixtures
- Earwigs appearing suddenly in large numbers during hot, dry weather
- Damage to garden plants with irregular holes in leaves and flowers
- Earwigs discovered when moving outdoor items like flower pots or firewood
Health & Property Risks
Earwigs are primarily nuisance pests that rarely cause significant problems indoors. They don't spread disease, bite, or sting humans, though they may pinch with their forceps if handled roughly. Outdoors, large populations can damage garden plants, seedlings, and flowers. Their presence indoors typically indicates moisture issues or excess mulch near foundations that should be addressed.
Prevention Tips
- Remove excess mulch near foundations and maintain a dry perimeter
- Fix leaky outdoor faucets, air conditioner drains, and gutters
- Eliminate outdoor hiding places like boards, stones, and debris
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundation
- Install or repair door sweeps and weather stripping
- Move firewood piles away from your home and off the ground
Professional Treatment Approach
Greenix's earwig control focuses on exterior perimeter treatments to create a protective barrier around your home. We apply residual insecticides to foundation walls, mulch beds, entry points, and other outdoor harborage areas. Our technicians reduce conducive conditions by recommending mulch reduction, drainage improvements, and harborage elimination. Interior treatments are minimal, targeting only areas where earwigs are actively entering.
Related Pests
Other common insects you might encounter
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are small, light brown to tan insects measuring 1/2 to 5/8 inch long with two distinctive dark parallel stripes behind their heads. Despite having wings, they rarely fly and prefer to run. These prolific breeders are the most common cockroach species found in homes, restaurants, and food service establishments.
Silverfish
Silverfish are wingless, teardrop-shaped insects measuring 1/2 to 3/4 inch long with silvery-gray scales covering their bodies. They have three long tail-like appendages at the rear and two long antennae at the front. These primitive insects move in a distinctive fish-like wiggling motion and can live 2-8 years.
House Crickets
House crickets are light brown to tan insects measuring 3/4 to 7/8 inch long with three dark bands across their heads and long antennae. Males produce the distinctive chirping sound by rubbing their wings together to attract females. These nocturnal insects are strong jumpers and can become significant nuisance pests when they enter homes in large numbers.
Professional Earwigs Control
Licensed & Insured
Professional Service
Same-Day Service
Fast Response
100% Guarantee
Satisfaction Assured