Known to reach 25 millimeters in size, these creepy critters are often the subject of nightmares. But is that ominous designation well deserved? If we’re talking about earwigs, the answer depends on the person and the situation. Although not poisonous to humans or pets, they have been known to be quite intrusive. In most instances, they’ll show up outside first and then make their way indoors. Once inside, that’s where the real problems arise for property owners.
Earwigs: Known to Dine and Dash
What kinds of problems result from an earwig infestation? For starters, they’re not opposed to showing up throughout the entire house, although, they do tend to favor hidden, damp and dark locations. Earwigs will also eat food best reserved for humans and pests. Examples include, but are not limited to white bread, pancake batter, soft fruit, dog treats and holiday cookies.
Most damage to the pantry will take place at night as earwigs are certainly nocturnal by nature. They’re also efficient breeders, especially when indoors during the winter. The artificial heat from a family’s furnace, fireplace or stove helps the earwigs’ eggs hatch at a rapid rate. So in a single month, heated buildings may easily become overrun with them. If the indoor temperatures are lower than the earwigs would like, it may take them longer to spread.
Earwigs: Nature’s Stowaways
Many will travel indoors at this time of year by hitching a ride with cords of firewood or organic fire starters. Afterward, they’ll crawl out and search for places to eat or breed. So oftentimes, infestations will start in a home’s basement or attached garage, wherever the firewood is stored. Thankfully, there are ways to stop earwig breeding early on. Thus, with expert intervention, the infestation may not spread much beyond those areas. To learn more about quickly putting an end to a winter earwig infestation, please contact Consolidated Pest Control today.
