WHAT DOES AN EARWIG LOOK LIKE ?
The European earwig is the most common earwig in Canada. It has forcep-like appendages at the base of its abdomen. It has a flat elongated body measures 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Male earwigs are larger than female earwigs. The color of both sexes is reddish to dark brown.
DOES THE WEATHER AFFECT THE SIZE OF THE EARWIG ?
A moist spring can affect the number of earwigs outdoors. A moist spring followed by a dry summer will cause earwigs to enter your home in search of moisture.
DO EARWIGS DIE OFF IN THE WINTER ?
Earwigs hibernate in the winter, either as adults or eggs. They tunnel as much as six feet below the surface of the soil to escape the cold. If an earwig problem remains unchecked they will return next season in increased numbers.
WHERE WOULD I MOST LIKELY FIND THEM ?
You would find earwigs beneath stones, boards, sidewalks and in debris. In your house, they crawl under carpets and rugs, baseboards and damp crevices, mostly in basements.
DO EARWIGS CAUSE MUCH DAMAGE ?
Earwigs cause damage to plants, flowers and vegetables and shrubs.
ARE EARWIGS COMMON DURING CERTAIN MONTHS OF THE YEAR ?
Earwigs are more common during the warm months of the year, June, July and August.
ARE EARWIGS MORE ACTIVE AT NIGHT ?
Yes, Due to their nocturnal instincts they are more active at night.
ARE EARWIGS DANGEROUS TO HUMANS ?
They may look dangerous but, they can only produce a slight pinch with their forceps which can appear red.
HOW QUICKLY DO EARWIGS MULTIPLY ?
The earwig lays broods of 300 eggs, two times a year. They will hatch in about three months. The eggs are laid 2-3 inches apart in soil. The female earwig guards the eggs and newly hatched young until they leave the nest. Since they multiply quickly, an infestation can number in the thousands.
CAN AN INFESTATION BE PREVENTED ?
Since earwigs live in dark and damp places, eliminating grass clippings, mulch and wood heaps will help considerably.
IF I HAVE AN EARWIG INFESTATION, WHAT CAN I DO ?
Contact Bugland Pest Management service representative Al McBane today!
The Experts. AL MCBANE & Staff.
