With their slender, long bodies and intimidating pincers, appearance-wise earwigs are unsettling to come across. Even worse, they are known to climb into the human ear canal, where they can lay their eggs and burrow into the human brain—but not to worry, because luckily, this part is only common folklore, and it’s simply not true.
Contrary to their name, earwigs don’t live in or feed on the human brain, nor do they lay their eggs in the ear canal of humans. Although all insects can enter the ear, it’s not very common, and earwigs aren’t more likely to do so than any other bug.
Read on for answers to your questions on whether earwigs are dangerous, what attracts earwigs to your Scottsdale home, the reason why you may have spotted an earwig in your bed, and the how to keep earwigs out of your home.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
Earwigs are bugs that mostly keep to themselves. Although they can pinch if provoked, they lack venom and a stinger, so they’re not poisonous to humans.
The most discomfort you may experience from an earwig pinch is itching and irritation, which can be treated using antibacterial cream from the drugstore. Because they don’t transmit bacteria, earwigs aren’t a danger to health or human welfare.
What Is Attracting Earwigs To My Home?
Earwigs enter a home, whether alone or in multiples because it affords them a warm, dry place to seek shelter and find food. These pests are known as accidental invaders, as they often find their way indoors unintentionally and much prefer to live in the wild.
If you are wonderingwhat attracts earwigs in and around the home: the answer is moisture and light.
- Why Moisture? When a home experiences a high level of humidity, it can result from various factors, from the design and construction of the house to the quality of the insulation used, damage in need of repair, and surrounding weather conditions. During the day and outdoors, they can often be found under rocks and stones, in mulch, around the foundation, and other areas where moisture may concentrate.
- Why Light? Earwigs are also drawn to light. They are most active at night, and they prefer bright white lights, which homeowners often use to illuminate the exterior of their homes.
How Are Earwigs Getting Inside?
While earwigs are buzzing around outdoor lights, they may find their way inside through cracks around window and door frames, damage to screens, and through crevices in the foundation of your home. Earwigs may also be inadvertently brought inside if they’re mixed in with boxes, books, newspapers, plants, or wood that’s moved indoors.
How Did An Earwig Get In My Bed?
Earwigs can crawl and climb, so although it is possible to find an earwig in your bed, it’s highly unlikely. Because there’s no moisture or light there, they have no reason to be there and must have wound up there accidentally.
How Can I Get Rid Of Earwigs?
Earwigs are known for hiding in places that are hard to see and out of reach. Professional pest control services are the most effective way to eradicate these pests from your home or business. The presence of earwigs likely indicates a problem with moisture in or around your home. With more than 30 years of experience, the local professionals at Green Home Pest Control will be able to pinpoint the source in your pest control infestation — and get rid of these pests fast.
For advice on residential or commercial pest control services, call 480-613-9377.
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21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
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