Why Are Earwigs In Aiken So Common?

April 15, 2022


With the cooler weather of the winter season finally settled in here in Aiken, many pests are looking for places to escape the elements. Earwigs are a common nuisance that can easily make their way into your home if you don't know what attracts them. While earwigs are generally harmless, they can cause noticeable damage to plants and property. In large numbers, their presence alone is unsightly enough to schedule pest control services.

Check out this guide to learn more about how to get rid of earwigs and prevent them from being an unwelcome guest in your home. Our team of experts at Aiken Pest Control will develop a customized plan to remove your earwig problem and develop a plan to prevent these pests from coming back.

close up of earwig on plant

What Do Earwigs In Aiken Look Like?

Earwigs have long, flattened bodies and are typically around 5/8 of an inch in length. They also have cerci, a pair of appendages located on the rear section of the bug's abdomen. These cerci resemble forceps, which give earwigs the nickname of "pincher bug." Earwig wings come in two different pairs: forewings and hindwings. The colors of this bug range from black to reddish-brown. Today, there are over 2,000 documented types of earwigs in existence. 

What Attracts Earwigs To Your Aiken Home?

To get rid of earwigs in your house, it's important to know what makes it appealing to them in the first place. An earwig insect prefers to make a home in a moist location. Most feed on dead plants and animal matter. They do not thrive in harsh weather conditions, so you may notice an infestation as the weather becomes colder. 

Five Myths About Earwigs

Earwigs are often a misunderstood pest. Here are five of the most commonly known myths, along with why they aren't true.

  1. They crawl into ears at night. One of the biggest myths about an earwig infestation in your house is that they will make their way into your ears and lay eggs. Fortunately, this is just an old wives' tale that has been carried down through the years. Earwig wings resemble a human ear when folded, which is what gives the bug its name.

  2. They spread disease. While earwigs can potentially damage crops, there is no evidence that they can spread diseases.  

  3. The pinchers are dangerous to humans. The cerci on the back of an earwig give it an intimidating appearance. Although they make an earwig look scary, the pinchers' main function is to assist with mating.

  4. They spend a lot of time flying. Even though earwigs have two sets of wings, they barely use them to fly. The wings are known as "skin wings" and stay tucked close to their body.

  5. They don't smell. Earwigs do give off a pungent scent if you squash them. This scent is sprayed as a defensive measure. Although unpleasant, it's harmless to humans and pets.

How To Keep Your Aiken Home Earwig Free With Aiken Pest Control

To prevent an earwig infestation in your house, there are several steps you can take. If you have any cracks or holes in your walls, seal them to eliminate entry points. Earwig insects are attracted to damp environments with a decent amount of moisture. Basement flooding is notorious for attracting earwigs, so be sure to mop up all water and keep the area dry. Inspect your home for any leaky pipes or clogged drains and have them repaired. Earwigs are also attracted to wet leaves. Be sure to bag up your leaves after raking and keep them away from your house.

For high-quality earwig extermination solutions, contact the experts at Aiken Pest Control. Serving homeowners throughout the Aiken, SC area, our skilled technicians will perform a full inspection and customize a plan that will leave your home pest-free. Contact us today to obtain a free quote and schedule an appointment.




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