Whether we like them or not, insects are very important to the environment around us. From aerating the soil to aiding the decomposition of plant matter to keep other pest and insect populations low, their presence on your Phoenix property ensures the proper function of the flora and fauna around you. What happens when those important bugs creep into your home, though?
Earwigs are some of those insects that are very important to the ecosystem. They have long, flat reddish-brown bodies, six legs, long antennae, small wings, and a sizable set of pincers at the end of their abdomen. Though they do prefer living outside, more extreme weather such as heavy rains, brutal heat, and frigid cold will force them to find better shelter. Sometimes, that better shelter happens to be the darkened crevices of your Phoenix home.
While there is a pretty nasty old wives’ tale about earwigs crawling into ears and laying their eggs in people’s brains, these insects are quite harmless. The pincers on their abdomens don’t contain any venom, and they’re rarely ever strong enough to break the skin. They can still become quite a nuisance if they do invade your property, though, so how can you keep them away?
Tip #1: Lawn Maintenance
Earwigs do prefer outdoor living, so they seek out shelter that will offer ample shade and shelter. These areas include:
- Brush piles
- Leaf piles
- Decorative rocks and boulders
- Mulch piles
- Discarded and decaying pieces of wood and logs
When preventing an earwig infestation, you’ll want to keep your Phoenix property properly manicured and clear of any unnecessary debris. Rake up and discard fallen leaves, remove branches and twigs to the perimeter of your property line, and implement a weekly mowing schedule. This will make your yard much less enticing for earwigs who are seeking a new home.
Tip #2: Moisture Reduction
These pesky critters prefer lots of moisture in their environment, and when the weather gets too extreme, any source of moisture will do. Here are some tips to combat excess moisture in and around your Phoenix home:
- Fix any leaky pipes that may be causing water damage
- Invest in a dehumidifier for moisture-retaining rooms such as a basement, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room
- Avoid over-watering your lawn and garden
- Ensure your lawn is draining properly; aerate the soil, or add a drainage pipe to your property
Tip #3: Generalized Home Repairs
If earwigs are managing to weasel their way in, it likely means your Phoenix home has entryways accessible to them. This means cracks and holes in the outer walls and foundation, and possibly even worn-down insulation around doorways and windows. To keep them from infesting the interior of your home, fill in and repair any gaps and crevices you find, and replace any old insulation as well.
Tip #4: Local Pest Control Company
It’s tricky to keep outdoor pests from infesting your property, and sometimes it’s just unavoidable. Earwigs aren’t usually problematic, but a big enough infestation could mean trouble for your garden, and their pinches aren’t completely painless either. If you’ve got a pest problem on your Phoenix property, we’re here to help you fix it.
Our pest experts at Green Home Pest Control have been specially trained to address all of your pest control needs. We’re dedicated to the health and safety of your property, and we’re equally dedicated to making sure the natural ecosystem isn’t damaged in the process. We use organic, plant-based pesticides in all of our treatments that have been scientifically proven to be just as effective as harmful, synthetic chemicals. If you want smart, effective pest control that you can depend on, then get in contact with us today. We look forward to helping you!
 21 years of pest control experience
 Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
 13 year resident of Arizona
