Pest Guide · Lake of the Ozarks
Earwigs: how they live, why they invade & how to get rid of them
Earwigs are the dark bugs with the intimidating rear pincers that turn up in bathrooms, mulch beds, and around door thresholds. The old tale about them crawling into ears is a myth - they don't harm people. But they invade in numbers when it's damp, and nobody wants them in the house.
How earwigs live
Earwigs are nocturnal, hiding by day in cool, moist spots - mulch, under pots and stones, and in ground cover - and coming out at night to feed on plants and small insects. When it gets hot and dry, or after heavy rain, they push toward the foundation and slip inside for moisture.
Why they come into your home
Damp mulch, ground cover, and debris right against the house, plus moisture indoors, draw them in through gaps at the threshold and foundation. Heavy landscaping close to the walls is the usual culprit.
Signs of a earwigs problem
- Earwigs in bathrooms, kitchens, or by exterior doors
- Lots of them in mulch, under pots, and in ground cover
- Ragged holes chewed in garden and ornamental plants
- Surges indoors after rain or during dry heat
How to get rid of earwigs
Because they're moisture-driven, control combines a perimeter treatment with pulling damp harborage back from the foundation and sealing entry points. Reducing the mulch, moisture, and debris against the house is what keeps them from marching in.
How to keep them out
- Pull mulch and ground cover back from the foundation
- Fix drainage and reduce moisture near the house
- Seal gaps at doors, thresholds, and the foundation
- Store firewood and debris away from walls
- Reduce indoor humidity in baths and basements
Dealing with earwigs at the Lake? All American has treated them since 1971 - local, licensed, and using no-odor products that are safe around kids and pets. We'll identify what you have and put together a plan that actually solves it.
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