KEEPING EARWIGS OUT OF YOUR HOUSE

There is an often used analogy used to describe how closely ecosystems are interconnected. The analogy describes an ecosystem being like the surface of a pond. Throw a rock in the middle of a calm pond and watch the ripples move out from the point of impact. Eventually, the ripples will move across the entire surface until they reach the shore. Regardless of the size of the pebble the disturbance is felt across the entire surface of the pond.

Ecosystems are like this. Regardless of how subtle the change or disturbance is, the impact is felt throughout the entire system. A single, small rock will only cause a momentary change. The system is disturbed and recovers. Sometimes it doesn’t.

Your backyard is an ecosystem that you have pretty much created, maintain and often times alter. For instance, mulching shrub beds and tree rings is a common practice in many Michigan landscapes. Recycling leaf and grass clippings back into your ecosystem is also gaining popularity. Most homes now have decks or a patio, as well. If you think about it, these represent fairly significant alterations to your backyard ecosystem. It stands to reason that these “rocks” could trigger some other changes as well. Enter the scary looking earwig.

Earwigs love moist environments with lots of cracks, crevices, nooks and crannies. The changes mentioned above are made to order for earwig insects.

Earwig Damage and Importance

Earwigs are part of a group of insects that are primarily scavengers. They feed on dead plant and animal material. They are active primarily at night and may be attracted to light. They are commonly found entering the household in the summertime. During the day, they can be found congregating under loose bark flaps, under decks, in mulched shrub beds and other similar debris.

Identification

The pincher-like appendages at the end of the abdomen makes the earwig very recognizable.

Integrated Earwig Management

During the summer months earwigs often begin appearing in the homes. The probability will increase if you have mulched areas near entrances and have an attached wooden deck. Moist summers tend to favor higher populations of earwig insects.

Earwigs do not cause damage inside houses. Earwigs are not known to bite or pinch. Dispose of them as you would any other nuisance, non-damaging household pest. Sealing cracks and crevices around the home can help prevent earwigs form getting inside your home.

Remove non-essential objects that are in direct contact with your home, especially mulch or boards. Establish a zone of bare soil that will dry out directly next to your house.

If these options don’t work, or aren’t possible, a perimeter pest control program can be set up. This will provide a bug barrier that will discourage earwigs, and most other insects, from entering your home. Perimeter pest control programs are started in the spring, as soon as insects become active, and continue until insects have begun to hibernate for the winter.