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Earwigs Unveiled: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

earwig

Earwigs Unveiled: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Hey there, friends of Barrier Pest Control! It’s time to dive deep into the world of a critter that’s maintained quite the reputation for itself – earwigs. You’ve likely seen these little rascals around your home, with their intimidating pincers and seemingly sinister demeanor. But are they as menacing as they look? Are earwigs more like misunderstood superheroes or unwelcome villains? And how much of a relationship do they share with their notorious cousins, the roaches?

Sit back, grab your bug goggles (you have those, right?), and join us as we get down to the nitty-gritty about earwigs.

Earwigs: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs, or Just Bugs? (Are earwigs good or bad bugs?)

First, let’s set the record straight: Earwigs, like all insects, have their part to play in the grand scheme of things. In the great outdoors, they decompose organic matter and control smaller, peskier bugs. But here’s where the dilemma creeps in: they might bring their party indoors, and that’s when we start having problems. When you start spotting these critters in your home, it’s a signal for action.

Earwigs Vs. Roaches: Are They the Same? (Are earwigs like roaches?)

We’ve been asked this one a lot: Are earwigs just fancy roaches? The short answer is no. They’re quite different from roaches, both in looks and behavior. Sure, they might give you the same startle if you find one in your pantry, but the similarities end there.

Earwigs are fond of damp, dark spaces (think garden mulch or that pile of old newspapers in the basement), whereas roaches prefer warmer, often dirtier conditions. Also, roaches are known for their potential to carry diseases, while earwigs? Not so much.

Are Earwigs Harmful to Humans?

Now for the question on everyone’s lips – are earwigs harmful to us? I know what you’re thinking: with pincers like those, they’ve got to be trouble! But here’s the surprising truth: earwigs are harmless to humans. Those pincers are used in their bug battles and for protection but pose no threat to us. The idea that they crawl into human ears to lay eggs is an old wives’ tale.

But, harmless or not, we understand that you’d rather not share your living space with them. They can be a nuisance, especially when they start munching on your houseplants!

Let Barrier Pest Control Help

Seeing a stray earwig here and there might not seem like a big deal, but when they start showing up in droves, you might have a problem. These crafty critters can sneak into your home through even the smallest cracks or openings, just like their spider and rodent counterparts.

Remember how we discussed the importance of sealing your home against pests in a previous post? It’s high time to put those tips into practice. If you need a refresher or expert advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Barrier Pest Control is your one-stop solution for comprehensive, effective, and professional pest control. We’re always ready to help you reclaim your home from these uninvited guests. Call us at (208)463-4533, and let us show you how it’s done. Remember, when it comes to pests, it’s our job to worry, so you don’t have to!

Give Us A Shot!

Because of who we are, our history, our commitment to the future, our guarantee, and the specific standards that we hold ourselves to, we are confident that you will want to do business with us. Give us a call at (208) 463-4533 to request a quote! We are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.

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Our pest control services are available in Boise, Garden City, Eagle, Emmett, Meridian, Kuna, Nampa, Melba, Middleton, Star, Marsing, Homedale, Caldwell and Mountain Home...and as of 2024, we're servicing Horseshoe Bend, Cascade, Donnelly, and McCall!