| Earwigs: what you should know |
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The European Earwig is one of the more common pests in homes and gardens.
In the spring the female lays a batch of eggs in a nest in the soil. Once they hatch, the young earwigs wander in search of food and shelter and infrequently enter homes and businesses through small cracks and crevices. Earwigs can be found beneath stones, boards, sidewalks and debris. In the home they crawl under rugs, cushions and baseboards. They are most common in June, July and August. Earwigs do not die off in the colder months. They hibernate either as adults or eggs and tunnel deep beneath the soil surface to escape the cold. For this reason, if an earwig problem is left unchecked , they will return next season in increased numbers. Normally earwigs wander at night in search of food and crawl into any available hiding space during the day that is moist and dark. Earwigs are nocturnal and are most active at night. The adults will live for one year and have no natural enemies, other than man, since they were introduced to our country from Europe. To prevent an earwig infestation eliminate debris around your property, such as grass cuttings, mulch patches and wood heaps. For more information please visit the earwig information page. For any questions or concerns regarding the treatment of earwigs call: RELIABLE EXTERMINATORS LIMITED |
When present in large numbers, they will damage flowers, fruits and vegetables. The earwig is reddish brown in colour. Both males and females have a pair of large forceps at the rear of the body, the female's is straight and the male's is curved. These forceps are used for defense and courtship and will not harm humans. 
