Earwigs are most active at night, searching for food and shelter from predators. They prefer cool and damp places, preferably near a water source. When living outdoors, earwigs can be found under mulch, rocks, logs, debris, and plants. Earwigs will also live under man-made objects that have been left outdoors, such as blankets and cushions, especially when these items have been left on the ground. Earwigs are typically attracted to light and will congregate on porches.
Problems Caused by Earwigs
The primary concern regarding earwigs is damage to foliage, plants, and crops. Earwig infestations have been known to cause significant damage in gardens, orchards, and on farms. Earwigs are omnivorous, and mainly scavengers. Infestations can become severe if preventative measures aren’t put in place.
Earwig Prevention
The best way to prevent an earwig infestation is to perform regular and routine lawn maintenance. Watering times and frequencies should be regulated, to avoid attracting earwigs to any standing water. Routine gardening can also discourage the pests from establishing underground nests. Trimming back plants from a building, sealing foundation cracks, and maintaining seals on window and doors are all effective ways to prevent earwig infestations from moving indoors.
Eliminating and Controlling Earwigs
Earwigs infestations can pose a significant problem to outdoor vegetation, and earwigs will move indoors if circumstances permit. The best way to eliminate and prevent future problems with earwigs is with professional help. At Pest Control Inc, our experts resolve earwig infestations using a variety of different treatment techniques, including surveillance, eradication, and baiting applications.