When Earwigs are a pain, call crane.
Extermination & Control
Crane Pest Solutions’ Approach
Crane uses moisture control and perimeter treatments to prevent earwigs from entering homes. Targeted insecticide applications are used around outdoor habitats like mulch beds and foundations to keep them at bay. Regular inspections and moisture management are key, especially during spring and summer when earwigs are most active.
Bug Identification
Common Name: Earwigs
Scientific Name: Dermaptera (order)
Seasonal Behavior
Most Active: Spring through fall.
Behavior: Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer damp, dark environments. They are most active during the warmer months and tend to seek out moist areas like basements, under mulch, or near foundations. They often become a problem indoors in the fall as they seek shelter from cooler temperatures.
Minnesota-Specific Climate Impact
Impact of Weather: Minnesota’s humid summers and wet springs provide ideal conditions for earwigs. In fall, they may enter homes seeking warmth and moisture, but colder, dry winters cause their activity to slow down or stop.
Habitat & Entry Points
Habitat: Outdoors, earwigs live under rocks, mulch, and decaying plant matter. Indoors, they are commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms where moisture is present.
Entry Points: Earwigs enter through cracks in foundations, poorly sealed windows or doors, and gaps around pipes or vents.
Damage & Risks
Damage: While earwigs don’t cause structural damage or pose health risks, they can be a nuisance when they enter homes in large numbers. They may also damage plants by feeding on leaves and flowers.
Signs of Infestation: Sightings of earwigs around damp areas, such as basements, kitchens, or bathrooms, or finding them hiding under mulch, rocks, or potted plants outdoors.
Prevention Tips
Preventive Measures: Reduce moisture by fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers in basements, and removing piles of leaves or mulch near foundations. Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations.
FACT
Despite their frightening pincers, earwigs are harmless to humans and rarely use them for anything other than defense.
myth
Earwigs do not crawl into people’s ears, despite the old myth from which their name originates.
Contact Us
Crane Pest Solutions is a small locally owned pest control company serving Commercial and Residential properties in SE MN. Where we want to help give you peace of mind through education and services. We have over a decade of experience serving the SE MN area and the issues specific to our area.