Earwigs

What do they look like?

Despite their fearsome appearance and bad reputation, earwigs are harmless to humans.

Adult earwigs are about 1.5 to 2 cm in length (0.59 to 0.79 inches) and their antennae are about half as long. Earwigs have an elongated, flattened body that is covered in a hard, shiny carapace with hues of brown and red. Earwigs can be recognized by their cerci, which look like two claws attached to the end of their abdomen. The male has two large curved cerci, while those of the female are smaller and almost straight. These appendages play a role in courtship and mating and serve as a defense against attackers.

What damage can they cause?

Although they feed mainly on decaying organic matter, earwigs supplement their menu with tender shoots, leaves and flowers of floral plants and vegetables, but also, as carnivores, insect larvae, eggs of slugs, aphids and other garden pests. They are even cannibalistic on occasion.

During the day, earwigs take refuge in cool, dark and damp places, especially under stones, among garden waste, in the tubular legs of garden furniture, in wooden fences and in wooden doors. aluminum hollows and other cracks and crevices. At nightfall, they leave their hiding place to feed. Earwigs crawl on the ground or climb houses, fences and trees. They begin to venture into homes from June or July. Although their presence inside homes is accidental, discovering an earwig in food, clothing and, sometimes, between the sheets of a bed is never pleasant.

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How to get rid of earwigs?

Fix leaky outdoor faucets and downspouts, and make sure drains are routed to direct water away from the foundation. Maintain your lawn and garden by removing debris and rotting organic matter to repel earwigs.

In the event of a prolonged infestation in your home, the use of an insecticide is an option to consider, although the earwigs die after one year. Remember that the most effective and long-lasting solution is to locate and treat the source of the infestation outdoors.

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