Earwigs are the stuff of nightmares for many people. Thanks to myths and legends, these creatures have been vilified for centuries. For instance, one of the most popular myths is that earwigs crawl into sleeping people's ears and burrow into their brains to lay eggs.
In reality, earwigs are harmless to humans. They don't bite or sting; hence they pose no real danger to us. However, they can be harmful to homes and gardens. A great example is the European earwig which is fond of plants and soft fruit.
According to the University of California, it's easy to mistake the damage from these pests as caterpillar damage. If you're having trouble with earwigs, it's essential to contact a Queen Creek pest control professional for help. Trying to get rid of them on your own can be difficult and ineffective.
Do Earwigs Harm Humans?
As mentioned above, despite its threatening appearance, the earwig bug doesn't pose any real danger to humans. However, while these creatures are harmless to us, they can do some damage to our homes and gardens. One of their favorite targets is the sweet corn plant.
Contact a pest control specialist to ascertain whether or not you have an earwig infestation or a simple caterpillar problem. If you have earwigs, the pest control professional can develop a plan to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back.
Is There Anything Good About Having Earwigs In Your Home?
While the earwig insect is destructive to gardens, they serve a purpose in the eco-cycle. Here's a look at a few of the positive things that earwigs do:
- Decomposers: One of the benefits of earwigs is that they help decompose leaves, dead insects, and other organic matter.
- Pollinators: Believe it or not, earwigs are pollinators. They transfer pollen from one flower to another, which helps plants reproduce.
- Pest Control: While they may be pests themselves, earwigs also help control other pests in your garden. They're known to eat aphids, caterpillars, and even snails.
As you can see, there are a few benefits to having earwigs around. However, if they're causing damage to your home or garden, it's best to contact a pest control professional to get rid of them. They can formulate a plan to eliminate the earwigs and prevent them from returning.
Three Myths About Earwigs
There are many myths and legends about earwigs. Here are three of the most popular:
- Myth One: Earwigs crawl into people's ears while they're sleeping and burrow into their brains to lay eggs.
- Fact: This isn't true. Earwigs don't crawl into people's ears, and they don't lay eggs in people's brains.
- Myth Two: Earwigs are venomous and can bite or sting people.
- Fact: This is also not true. Earwigs don't have venom, and they can't bite or sting humans. Even their menacing-looking pinchers are harmless.
- Myth Three: Earwigs can fly.
- Fact: Earwigs can't fly. This is a common misconception because they have wings, but despite this, they are unable to fly.
Should you suspect you have earwigs in your house, move quickly to contact pest control. Don't cut corners by DIYing it because you'll likely only worsen the problem.
How To Keep Earwigs Away From Your Queen Creek Home
While earwig repellent may keep earwigs out of your home, there are a few things other things you can do to keep earwigs away from your home:
- Keep your yard clean
- Don't leave food out overnight
- Keep your garbage can lid closed
- Seal any cracks or crevices around your home
Ultimately, the best way to keep earwigs out of your home is professional care and treatment. Queen Creek's Quell Pest Control can help you get rid of your earwig problem and prevent them from coming back.
We use the best methods coupled with targeted products to rid your home of these pests and keep them from returning.
Contact us today for a free consultation.