Earwigs

Professional Earwig Pest Control Phoenix Arizona

The earwig is a member of the Dermaptera order, a classification of insect species that have long, slender bodies with “cerci.” The earwig’s “cerci” are curvature appendages that protrude from the abdomen. Cerci play a major role in the life of an earwig. They help the earwig fight off predators, secure food, and copulate. There is no doubt, the earwig relies on its cerci for just about everything. With this said, cerci are not strong enough to pierce human or animal skin.

Over generations, scientists have reportedly identified more than 900 insect species that meet the criteria to become part of the Dermaptera order. The earwig grows up to 2 inches in length, with one major exception – Saint Helena giant earwig species. The Saint Helena giant is about an inch longer than other earwig species.

If you have not heard by now, the earwig was supposedly found in the brain of a human. The tale claims the insect accessed the victim’s brain through the ear canal. After infiltrating the brain, the earwig reproduced, according to the tale. Of course, no evidence was ever located to confirm the claims. So, today, it still remains a tale.

Why Are Earwigs Infiltrating My Phoenix Home?

Earwigs are overwintering pests, which means they hibernate throughout the winter season. Winter elements are extreme and nearly unbearable for the earwig. The overwintering state allows the insect the survive on minimal nutrients originating from stored fats. Earwig will oftentimes migrate indoors to avoid spending the winter exposed to the harsh elements – snow, cold winds, single-digit temperatures, and icy rains.

Earwig activity is at its highest in the spring and fall. During the spring, the earwig is beginning to breed and the fall is utilized for indoor infiltration attempts. Earwigs spend the majority of the summer months hiding away from the hot sun. So, it is not unusual to find them hiding in basements, crawlspaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and shower rooms. Earwigs are nocturnal insects, making them even more difficult to detect. They are active at night while the home’s occupants are sleeping.

In the summer months, earwigs feed on smaller insects – flea and mite. In the winter, the insect does not feed but instead relies on nutrients from stored fats.

Are My Children In Danger Of The Earwig?

No, earwigs are not known to transmit disease to humans or animals. They are more of a nuisance pest that you do not want to encounter at night. The insect will damage houseplants in the summer months.

Again, the earwig’s cerci are not strong enough to pierce the human skin. While they can rip through thin materials like the leaf of a plant, they cannot inflict injury on your children.

Earwigs are non-venomous insects, so a tiny bite will not cause pain or even an allergic reaction in most cases.

What Is The Best Earwig Pest Control Strategy For Residential Settings?

We are a firm believer that earwigs are not much different than other insect species when it comes to an infestation, with one exception. Earwigs are solitary insects, reducing the risk of a full-blown infestation in residential and commercial settings. The best way to deal with an earwig infiltration is by preventing it right from the get-go. How is this possible? It is possible by strengthening your home’s pest barrier.

Of course, buildings do not actually have a pest barrier. But, you could consider the same structural components that keep wild animals, strays, and unsavory humans out of your home should also be able to keep insects out. These structural components include doors, walls, ceilings, roofing and flooring systems, and windows.

When Will The Exterminator Be Available For The Earwig Inspection?

An earwig pest inspection request generally takes between 24 and 48 hours to process. During this time, we highly suggest work on your home’s vulnerable pest barrier. The customer support team will reach out to you, regarding an appointment once the service request is processed.

Do Earwig Insecticides Contain Dangerous Ingredients?

Insecticides can have ingredients that harm the environment and make humans sick. However, these risks are mostly related to long-term pesticide chemical exposure, which is completely unnecessary and uncalled for. Our exterminators do not treat earwig-infested homes with chemical-based insecticides as long as it is occupied. For this matter, we request the home be vacated prior to each treatment.

What Steps Should I Take To Prevent Dealing With A Repeat Earwig Infiltration?

No one wants to be left dealing with an earwig infiltration, no pest infiltration, for this matter. Fortunately, you can take matters into your own hand to correct the factors determined to be related to the initial earwig infiltration. Nine times out of ten, earwig infiltration is related to weak structural components of a building.

You can utilize an over-the-counter sealant – caulk or silicone – to fill openings utilized by earwigs to access the interior of your home.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.