Almost every one has bugs creeping through the walls of their home. While discovering that you have cockroaches is terrible enough, a far more alarming discovery is an earwig infestation.
These pests can be more than a nuisance. Their powerful pincers can inflict painful puncture wounds and deliver a nasty substance.
How do you keep these insects away from your home and stop an infestation if they’ve already invaded?
You can take several steps to deter and remove them if they get inside. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of these household pests.
Consider Prevention Strategies
The best way to start combatting earwigs is to take preventative measures. First, clean your home, as they often gather in cluttered areas. Wipe down kitchen surfaces and mop floors often, making sure to get between crevices.
Also, focus on the following:
Points of Entry
Seal off entry points, such as cracks and gaps in windows and doorframes. In addition, make sure window and door screens fit tightly. Pay particular attention to garages, outdoor storage sheds, or debris piles.
Humidity
Reduce the humidity in your home and in the surrounding area. You should increase ventilation and limit sources of water and moisture as well.
Use dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Also, inspect and repair any plumbing or appliances that use water for potential leaks that may create a moist environment ideal for earwigs.
Outdoor Plants
Check outdoor plants and containers for earwigs and dispose of the pests before bringing them inside. Suppose they are present; carefully transfer materials like a trowel or dustpan to a bucket for proper disposal. Afterward, scrub the planter and containers with soapy water to remove any eggs or lingering earwigs.
Keep your landscaping clean and well-maintained, removing debris like dead leaves or thick mulch. They can act as a breeding ground for pests.
Reclaim Groundwater
Repair any leaking faucets and outdoor water features. Repairing them can stop excess water from standing around and create an inviting home for earwigs.
Traps or Non-Toxic Deterrents
Use traps or non-toxic deterrents such as diatomaceous earth or neem oil to keep the earwigs away. This diatomaceous earth acts as a natural barrier that, when put in places where they may enter, will dehydrate them, and they will be unable to enter. Neem oil is a deterrent as it has an odor that deters pests.
Properly sealing your home, keeping the area dry, and using suitable treatment options will help to deter and avoid an earwig infestation.
Recognizing Signs of an Earwig Infestation
Identifying the infestation issue is essential to minimize this insect’s damage or spread.
Common signs include earwigs around outside lights, electrical outlets, and wood piles. You can also see them near moisture sources. Inside your home, you may find evidence from minor bugs in crevices or the appearance of damage to furniture or fabrics.
Inspect your home periodically for live and dead specimens for best results. Earwigs prefer dark, damp places, so check in corners, cabinets, and behind furniture.
Practical Solutions to Remove Earwigs
Block any entry points to prevent more from coming in. You can also vacuum them up as you find them or collect them manually and dispose of them safely. Furthermore, you can set out traps containing food or water to which you can draw the earwigs.
It may also help to sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the edges of your home. It dehydrates the pests and will help them to die off eventually.
You could use an insecticide such as boric acid around your home as a last resort. It is a relatively safe and straightforward way to address an infestation. But it would be best to use it only as a final attempt as it can harm humans and pets.
Alert the Local Exterminators
Exterminators have the training and experience to identify and eradicate pest infestations. To locate one, search online for a list of local exterminators. Then, you can contact them for a consultation about the cost of and process for extermination.
You must provide them with as much detail as possible. For example, tell them about the size of the area infested and the kinds of materials and furniture in that area. Then, following an inspection, they can recommend the best pest control approach.
Furthermore, they should provide information about the necessary materials and instructions. You must follow their instructions precisely. Doing this will ensure the complete and effective elimination of an infestation.
Schedule an Ongoing Maintenance
You must have ongoing maintenance to prevent a re-occurrence. Make sure to vacuum carpets and furniture. Treat wooden surfaces with an insecticide or insect repellent to eliminate existing pests.
It would be best to involve cleaning and de-cluttering rooms where you found earwigs. It allows you to drop breeding grounds and potential hiding spaces.
You should also schedule regular pest control visits to inspect your home. Then, they can apply further treatments if needed.
Get Rid of Earwigs and Protect Your Home
The best way to deal with an earwig infestation in your home is to use preventative steps and elimination tactics. Acting quickly to avoid a significant infestation and potential damage to the house is essential.
If you suspect an infestation, do not delay. Instead, take the necessary steps to eliminate the pests before the problem worsens.
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