Earwig Infestation – What Houston Residents Should Know!

The earwig is a small insect that belongs to the Dermaptera order. Insect species belonging to the Dermaptera order share many of the same characteristics, such as a long slender body, “cerci,” six legs, two stripped antennas, and reddish/brown coloration. The earwig’s “cerci” are unique appendages that work like forceps or pincers. The cerci are utilized for protection against predators, sensory organs, and foraging for food. They span down one-third of the adult male’s body. There are both wingless and winged (two sets of wings) earwigs. Both the adult and male measure in at about ¼” in length, excluding the Saint Helena Giant, which is approximately 2-3/4 inches long. Scientists have identified more than 900 Dermaptera species.

Rumor has it, the earwig was first discovered living in the human brain where it managed to deposit eggs.

Why Are Earwigs Invading My Home?

Earwigs are drawn to moderately a warm environment, which is how they sometimes find themselves invading homes. As an overwintering pest, the earwig begins to attempt infiltration into houses and businesses beginning in the late fall. Overwintering pests begin to put their activities on hold at the beginning of the winter season, lasting until temperatures remain above 4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit.)

On a good note, the earwig has no intention of staying in your home for longer than necessary. The insect begins to look for vulnerabilities in a building’s pest barrier, such as access points around doors and windows, beginning late fall. Immediately following the invasion, the earwig begins to search for a place to hang out during the winter season. The preferred climate is humid, dark, and warm.

Are Earwigs Disease-Carrying Insects?

Earwigs do not transmit diseases, viruses, and parasites to humans or animals. These nocturnal insects forage for food at night while the household members are asleep. They are more common in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, crawlspaces, and other humid, dark, and warm areas of the home. While the earwig species does not carry diseases or parasites, the insect may be a foodborne illness risk. Foodborne illnesses are linked to the ingestion of contaminated foods. In this case, the contaminated food is contributed to the earwig. Just an example, as the earwig crawls around, its body and feet are picking up germs and bacteria that will later be deposited on a food source.

Earwigs do pose risks to potted plants and crops. The insect utilizes its cerci to pinch pieces of food from plant leaves, flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

How Did Earwigs Invade My Home?

It cannot be stressed enough, the importance of a residential pest barrier. Whether the threat is earwigs or another insect species, the pest barrier will play a major role in keeping your home pest-free. A residential pest barrier includes entrance doors, windows, roofing and flooring systems, and walls. Surely, you are familiar with these components since they are the very important structures that make up your home.

Without each of the aforementioned components, the interior of your home would be exposed to the elements, wildlife, rodents, and insects. In order for an insect species to invade your home, one or more of the aforementioned components would need to be vulnerable. In most earwig infestations, the vulnerabilities are determined to be cracks and crevices near doors, windows, plumbing pipes, and electrical wiring. Repairing and updating the vulnerabilities is key to preventing future earwig infestations.

How Long Will It Take To Get My Pest Inspection Request Processed?

Once your earwig inspection request is submitted to your Houston office, processing will be initiated immediately. From here, our customer support team will reach out to you and our extermination team to set up an appointment for your in-home pest inspection. In most cases, we can schedule the inspection to take place within 24 to 48 hours of the initial service request.

Will My Children And Pets Be Exposed To Harmful Pesticide Chemicals?

Absolutely not! We take extra precautions to protect our clients and their family, pets, and assets before, during, and after treatment. We do this by requesting the family to vacate the home at least 30 minutes before the exterminator arrives. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary for the household members to remain out of the impacted home for at least two hours after the treatment process is complete.

To further minimize health risks associated with chemical-based pesticides, we rely only on pest control products and methods approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

What Role Does Homeowner Or Tenant Play In Pest Control Prevention?

The client plays a major role in the entire extermination process, from the initial visual inspection to the post-treatment inspection. Right from the beginning, we encourage our clients to get and stay involved in the entire pest control process. We are open to suggestions and willing to listen to your concerns. Your cooperation is key to a speedy, successful outcome.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.