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The Truth About Earwigs In Los Angeles

earwig on a purple flower

Earwigs get their common name from old tales about them crawling in people’s ears at night. The stories around these pests can be even more elaborate, including that they lay eggs in your ears or burrow into your brain. But the truth is, these bugs are harmless to people and don’t bite, spread diseases, or go anywhere near your ears.

This article will explain more about these pests and why they can be problematic in and around your home. We’ll also provide natural prevention tips to help keep them away. Continue reading to learn how to achieve successful earwig control on your Los Angeles property with the experts from The PEST Group.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are insectswith long, narrow bodies ranging from 1/4 to 1 inch long and have an intimidating set of pincers at the back of their abdomens. They vary in color from light brown with dark markings to reddish-brown or black. Earwigs have six legs, two sets of wings (although they don’t all fly), and antennae about half the length of their body.

These insects prefer moist, protected areas, so outdoors, you will most likely find them in cold, damp conditions like under mulch or wet leaves. They tend to live together in large numbers, and if you happen to move the debris they are hiding under, you will see them quickly run away. Contact us today at The PEST Group if you are having trouble getting rid of earwigs in your yard or home.

Why Are Earwigs A Problem?

An earwig infestation is a more significant threat to your garden than your home, but they generally aren’t welcome in either location. The following list explains some of the problems earwigs can create:

  • Earwigs will invade homes if the conditions outside become unfavorable, and they can be an annoying nuisance.

  • These insects chew holes in flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and dahlias.

  • The leaves on fruit trees may have numerous holes or gnaw marks around the edges.

  • Earwigs can cause a lot of damage to seedlings, damaging parts or all of the leaves and stems.

  • They will eat soft fruits like strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and apricots, leaving gouges and holes behind.

To confirm earwigs are the problem in your yard, go out at night with a flashlight and inspect the areas where you find damage. If you need assistance eradicating earwigs from your home or garden, the pros at The PEST Group are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free inspection.

Earwig Prevention Strategies: Natural Remedies That Work

Earwigs are often a garden problem, but if the conditions outside become too hot, dry, or cold. Here are some natural tips to prevent earwigs in the house and yard:

  • Clean up debris piles and leaves in the yard.

  • Create a perimeter around the house free of vegetation and mulch.

  • Ensure downspouts don’t cause water to pool near the foundation.

  • Seal cracks and crevices on the exterior to remove entryways.

The pros at The PEST Group are here to help you get rid of earwigs in your home or yard. Contact us today to learn more about our earwig control services.

The Key To Effective Earwig Control In Los Angeles

The most effective way to handle an earwig problem is to enlist the help of the expert technicians at The PEST Group. We can also determine what attracts them and how they get inside. Contact us today to learn more about our earwig removal and control services or to schedule your free inspection.