Finding any pest inside your house is unnerving, but finding one you can't identify is even worse. If there are strange-looking little black bugs around your home, you might be dealing with earwigs. This guide will help you determine if earwigs are, in fact, the problem pests in your home and provide guidance on how to deal with them, including when to call an earwig exterminator near you for assistance.
We'll start by describing earwigs and the areas you'll likely see them around your property. As with any pest, it is essential to know whether or not they are dangerous, so we'll go over the risks associated with these insects. Learn tips for preventing these pests and how to ensure invaders like earwigs can't get into your home again with the experts at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio.
What Are These Little Black Bugs I'm Seeing Around My Property?
When people start finding pests in their homes, it is common to do some research to determine the threat level and learn how to get rid of them. But searching the internet for "little black bugs" can produce so many results that combing through them would be difficult.
Here are some of the traits of an earwig bug to help you decide if they are the pests you are facing:
- Earwigs are often black but can sometimes be pale brown with darker markings or reddish brown.
- These insects have long, narrow, flattened bodies and six legs, which are between 1/4 and 1 inch long.
- Earwigs have thread-like antennae that measure about half the length of their bodies.
- Their most distinct feature is the menacing-looking pincers that protrude from the back of their abdomen.
Earwigs are active at night, and outside, you will likely find them hiding beneath rocks, bark, and plant debris during the day. These insects will enter homes if they find the weather outside unfavorable, such as during periods of drought, and typically seek dark, moist areas like basements and crawl spaces.
If you suspect earwigs are in your house or are struggling to identify the pest you have, Gold Star Exterminators, Del Rio, is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a free estimate.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
There are old myths associated with these pests that you may have heard along the way. People used to think these insects would crawl into your ears while you're asleep and burrow into your brain to lay eggs. If you look at an earwig, this myth almost appears plausible, but thankfully has been proven false.
Earwigs may appear frightening to some, but they are generally harmless and don't bite or spread disease. The worst scenario is you might get a pinch if you attempt to handle one. An earwig pinch might be slightly painful, but they rarely even break the skin.
Probably most concerning is that earwigs often congregate in large numbers outdoors and can damage seedlings in your garden and cause plants to be unproductive. If earwigs are causing problems on your property, contact us today at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio for assistance eliminating them.
Tips To Prevent Earwig Activity Around Your Home
Eliminating or repairing certain factors on your property can help prevent earwigs in your home and yard.
Here are some tips to help keep these nuisance pests away:
- Eliminate harborage sites like leaf and mulch piles.
- Move firewood piles and logs a distance from the house.
- Trim back trees and shrubs that cause damp, shady areas.
- Create a perimeter around the foundation that is free of organic matter.
- Check that gutters and downspouts are keeping water away from the foundation.
- Ensure you have adequate ventilation in your basement or crawl space, or install a dehumidifier.
If earwigs continue to be a problem around your property, the pros at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio are here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get rid of earwigs and prevent them from returning.
How To Put An End To Earwigs And Other Occasional Invaders
Whether you have earwigs or any other occasional invaders causing problems around your property, the simplest solution is to contact us at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio. Our certified technicians are experts at getting rid of pests and keeping them away.