Earwigs look nasty and are misunderstood. They are considered to be nuisance pests. These insects are widely believed to burrow into their ears and lay their eggs. The earwig’s name may have come from this story, but it is untrue.
They can be harmful to some plants. Other species may cause minor irritations and abrasions by pinching. Where are the earwigs coming from if you notice them in your home? How can you get rid of them? It is possible to get rid of earwigs using a natural pesticide such as diatomaceous Earth, but this can harm beneficial insects and not work in moist conditions. There are many ways to keep earwigs away without using pesticides.
How can you tell whether earwigs are causing damage to your plants? Before treating an infestation, it’s essential to identify the insects and the damage they cause.
What do Earwigs look like?
The earwigs have six legs and are flat, long, wiggly, creepy little creatures. Some have wings, while others don’t. They are best known for their menacing cerci.
More than 1,800 earwig species exist in the world, and there are over 20 species that live north of Mexico. However, only a few are common pests in North America.
The size, color, and appearance of earwigs can vary greatly. Pest earwigs in North America include the following:
Forfiucla Auricularia
- 3/8-5/8 inch (9-17mm)
- Red-brown coloring
- The sandflies’ legs, cerci, and antennae are pale in color.
- Most damaging to plants
Doru Aceuleatum
- Half-inch to three-quarters-inch (12-18mm) long
- Brown and yellow markings
- Black abdomen with yellowish legs
Labidura Riparia, Striped Earwig
- 3/4-1 inch (18-26mm).
- Winged with long antennae
- A mix of light brown and red-brown color, with two dark stripes along the mid-section of the thorax. They also have a dark line running down their abdomen.
- Darkness can be seen all around.
Euborellia annulipes
- 3/8-1 inch (16-25 mm).
- Live in coastal areas
- Wingless
- Dark brown to black color
- Legs are light yellow with a ring pattern in a distinctive but lighter color.
Anisolabis maritime
- 5/8-1 inch (16-25mm)
- Large and wingless
- Dark brown to the shiny black appearance
- Long dark antennae and short pale legs
- Males have strongly curving asymmetrical cervi, and females have straight symmetrical cervi
Lesser earwig Labia Minor
- The 1/8-1/4 inch (4-6mm) is long.
- Small with short cerci
- The color is variegated, ranging from light brown to black.
- Brown-yellow legs
- Yellowish hairs on legs and body
Earwigs: Natural Ways of Eliminating Them
- It is best to leave earwigs alone if you don’t have many. It’s another story if they cause problems in your home or garden. After you’ve positively identified earwigs as the problem, you need to address the root cause of the problem. The best way to get rid of earwigs is not by using chemicals. Some pesticide labels list earwigs among their target pests, but that doesn’t mean you should.
- Even natural pesticides such as diatomaceous Earth or horticultural oil can disrupt the delicate balance of your garden ecosystem and kill good and harmful pests. Try something else if you are dealing with earwigs. In rare cases, many earwigs may descend on your home in a mass when cold weather arrives. Professional treatment for pest control might be recommended. Try one of these natural control methods if you can’t.
Address Moisture
- Check for any moisture problems around your house that may be attracting earwigs. Earwigs may be hiding under your cedar siding if you have standing water.
- Moisture is a magnet for pests and not just earwigs. You can take many steps to prevent a moisture problem in your home.
- Fix any leaks, including broken or leaking irrigation systems.
- Avoid a clog by cleaning out your gutters and downspouts.
- Overwatering lawns and gardens is a bad idea.
Removing Food and Harbourage Sources
- Consider areas where earwigs might be hiding or eating and remove them from your home or move them elsewhere. Earwigs feed and hide in places such as:
- Mulch
- Wood piles
- Leaf piles
- Compost
- Manure
- Pallets
- Cardboard
Turn off the lights at night.
- This will discourage earwigs from flying at them, and other insects are also attracted to light. This will dissuade earwigs and other insects that the local Spiders and earwigs are trying to eat. This activity can be reduced by turning off the lights.
Seal them Out
- Sealing cracks and crevices in your home with caulking will keep earwigs away. Also, make sure that your windows and doors are closed correctly. Filling your house will reduce moisture.
Protect Your Fruit Trees
- It has been reported that earwigs burrow into ripe fruit. Nothing is more frustrating for a gardener than seeing your fruit eaten by earwigs while it’s still on the trees. Vaseline can be used to protect your fruit.
