Pest Control and Bug Exterminator Blog

Earwig, Pincher Bug

Earwigs are considered occasional invaders but anyone that lives in the southwest would tell you otherwise. Earwigs are considered a nuisance and can be a problem in almost every house. I once believed that that earwigs would only be a problem in a house if you had turf outside. Paying closer attention I noticed that they will invade a home even with desert landscaping.

These pest can be both scavengers and predators depending on the species. The all enjoy moist areas and are attracted to light. During warm weather they gather in large numbers around the foundation of a structure and frequently invade homes in search of cooler temperatures and water as noted above. Large numbers are found under rocks and debris, in flowerbeds and in turf around a structure. Treatments for control should be focused on those areas.

Depending on species found in the U.S., earwigs will grow from 1/2 inch to 1 inch long. They have pincer-like appendages at the end of the abdomen. They have 6 legs and 2 antenna. They range in color from black, brown to red in color. Some may have 2 stripes. Only a few of the female species can fly.

Treatments should include the wet rooms and walls of a structure and all entry points of a structure. Dust should be used in voids that stay dry where sprays cannot be applied. Outside, all plants and any other materials should be removed from the outside walls. I would suggest at least a foot. Plants, flower beds and turf should also be treated properly for complete control of the insects. Earwigs will return year after year so treatments need to be ongoing.

- Bill Kelty, WeedControlGuy.com

One time I went to do a service for interior earwigs.  As I was on my way, I called the customer (wife) to let them know I was on my way.  She said, “Yes, please come over we need a spray badly!” So, when I got there, the husband came to the door and said, “What are you doing here, I already canceled the account!”  So I said “I just spoke to your wife and she said to come over and do the service.”  So he said, with a grumpy old face, “Come on in then!”  So as I went in, and the wife began showing me where the earwigs were, and the husband kept running around following us and saying, “You know, I can take care of this myself!”,…. “And I can do a better job!” So as he kept complaining, the wife said, “Honey, What did I tell you!!” as she grabbed him by the ear and dragged him to his room.

What I heard from the other room was, “I will pay for the service.” She came out and apologized and thanked us for the service.  I thought to myself, HMMM, She just put her husband in time out for trying to refuse Bulwark’s services!

Tevita Fine
Las Vegas, NV