Earwigs are common pests that can invade homes and gardens across the world, and Canberra is no exception. Also known as pincher bugs, earwigs inspire fear more due to urban legends than actual threats. Contrary to popular belief, earwigs do not crawl into your ears or lay eggs in your brain! These misunderstood insects are much more likely to cause damage to your plants than harm you directly. While their pincers look intimidating, they pose little risk to humans.

In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about earwigs, how they invade your home, and what you can do to get rid of them.

What is an Earwig?

Earwigs belong to the insect order Dermaptera, which has been around for over 200 million years. These insects are typically small, ranging from 5 to 25mm in length, with a distinctive pair of pincers (cerci) on their rear end. They thrive in humid environments and are often found in moist, dark areas like basements, bathrooms, and gardens.

Despite their menacing appearance, earwigs are harmless to humans. Their pincers are used primarily for defense and hunting other insects like maggots and earthworms. They are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night and hide during the day in crevices, mulch, and wood piles.

Earwig Facts: How Did Earwigs Get Their Name?

The name “earwig” comes from a centuries-old myth that these insects crawl into people’s ears and lay eggs. While this is nothing more than a legend, the name stuck, and earwigs continue to be misunderstood.

How Do Earwigs Get Into Canberra Homes?

Earwigs are skilled invaders that can easily make their way into your home. They typically enter through small gaps, cracks in foundations, or spaces around windows and doors. Earwigs can also hitch a ride in cardboard boxes, potted plants, or even firewood.

In Canberra, the warm, humid summer months provide the perfect environment for earwigs to thrive. If your home has moist areas, such as basements or bathrooms, earwigs may seek shelter there.

Earwig Prevention Tips for Canberra

To keep earwigs out of your home and garden, follow these prevention tips:

• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, windows, and foundations. Sealing these entry points will help prevent earwigs from sneaking inside.
• Reduce Moisture: Earwigs are drawn to damp, humid environments. Use dehumidifiers in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms to keep moisture levels down. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets that may create a damp environment.
• Clear Out Debris: Earwigs love hiding in wood piles, mulch, and organic debris. Keep your garden and yard tidy by removing dead leaves, grass clippings, and other organic material that may attract earwigs.
• Store Firewood Properly: If you have a firewood pile, keep it off the ground and store it away from your home to reduce the chances of earwigs nesting in it.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs

While earwigs are not dangerous to humans, they can become a nuisance if they infest your home or garden. Here’s how to deal with an earwig problem:

1. Clean Up Food Scraps and Trash: Like many pests, earwigs are attracted to food scraps, grease, and leftover food. Keeping your home clean and free of crumbs or spills is an easy way to reduce their food sources.
2. Dispose of Organic Matter: Earwigs feed on decaying plant matter. Remove any dead plants, mulch, or organic debris from your yard to discourage them from settling in.
3. Use Gravel and Coarse Sand: Since earwigs prefer moist environments, adding a strip of gravel or coarse sand around garden beds can help deter them from invading your plants.
4. Professional Treatment: While traps and DIY methods can help capture a few earwigs, they rarely solve the problem entirely. Earwig infestations can be extensive and are best handled by professional pest control services like ACT Pest Control. Our trained technicians can effectively eliminate earwigs using safe and proven treatments.

Earwig Facts: Why Are Earwigs So Hard to Control?

Earwigs are not territorial and are known to share their nests with other earwigs, allowing infestations to grow quickly. A single female earwig can lay between 20 to 50 eggs at a time, usually hiding them in cracks or crevices. The eggs hatch within 7 days, and the young go through multiple molts before reaching adulthood. This fast reproductive cycle can lead to a full-blown infestation before you know it.

Are Earwigs Harmful to Humans?

Earwigs are not dangerous to humans. While their pincers may look menacing, they are not strong enough to cause significant harm. In rare cases, earwigs may pinch if they feel threatened, but the pinch is usually harmless and causes only mild irritation. If you experience any unusual symptoms after being pinched by an earwig, it’s always best to seek medical advice, but these cases are extremely rare.

Do Earwigs Damage Plants?

Yes, earwigs can damage plants, particularly in Canberra gardens. They chew on the leaves, flowers, and vegetables, leaving jagged holes. Since earwigs are nocturnal, it’s unlikely you’ll catch them in the act, but you may notice the damage in the morning. Gardens with consistent irrigation, mulch, and compost piles are prime breeding grounds for earwigs. Instead of removing these essential elements, try adding strips of gravel or coarse sand around garden beds to keep earwigs away.

Why Choose ACT Pest Control to Eliminate Earwigs in Canberra?

At ACT Pest Control, we understand the challenges of dealing with earwig infestations in Canberra. Our team of professional pest control technicians has the knowledge, experience, and tools to eliminate earwigs quickly and effectively. We use safe, targeted treatments that eradicate earwigs without harming your family, pets, or plants. Whether you’re dealing with a small problem or a large infestation, we’ll help you reclaim your home and garden from these unwelcome pests.

Contact ACT Pest Control Today

Don’t let earwigs invade your home or garden. Contact ACT Pest Control today on 1300 022 122. for expert pest control services. We’ll provide a comprehensive inspection, develop a customized treatment plan, and help you eliminate earwigs for good.