Earwigs Pest Control

Risks of Earwig Infestation

Damage to Plants and Garden Crops:

Earwigs are omnivorous insects that feed on a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and ornamentals. They often target tender foliage and young shoots, causing significant damage to garden crops and ornamental plants.

Common signs of earwig feeding include chewed or shredded leaves, flowers, and fruits, as well as irregular holes or notches along the edges of foliage. Severe infestations can lead to stunted growth, reduced yield, and even complete loss of plants.

Indoor Damage:

While earwigs are primarily outdoor pests, they may occasionally find their way indoors in search of shelter, moisture, or food. Once indoors, they can cause damage to household items such as fabric, paper, cardboard, and stored food items.

Earwigs may chew on clothing, curtains, books, and other household items, leading to unsightly damage and potential loss of property.

Health Concerns:

While earwigs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance and cause anxiety for some individuals.

In rare cases, earwig pinchers may cause minor skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals who come into direct contact with the insects. However, such instances are infrequent and typically only occur when handling or disturbing earwigs.

Garden Aesthetic Damage:

In addition to feeding on plants, earwigs can cause aesthetic damage by leaving behind chewed leaves, flowers, and fruits. This can detract from the overall appearance of gardens, landscapes, and ornamental plantings, reducing their aesthetic value.

Unsightly damage caused by earwigs may also affect the enjoyment and usability of outdoor spaces, particularly in residential gardens, parks, and recreational areas.

Increased Pest Pressure:

Earwigs serve as prey for many other garden pests and predators, including birds, toads, and predatory insects. An abundance of earwigs in the garden can attract these natural predators, potentially leading to imbalances in the local ecosystem and increased pest pressure on other plants and crops.



Addressing an earwig infestation promptly is crucial to mitigate these risks and protect your plants, crops, and property. Professional pest control services can help identify the extent of the infestation, implement targeted treatments, and provide guidance on preventative measures to minimize the impact of earwigs on your home and garden.

Sightings of Earwigs:

The presence of earwigs indoors or outdoors is one of the most obvious signs of an infestation. You may observe these insects crawling on surfaces, particularly in damp or dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor garden beds.

Damage to Plants:

Earwigs are voracious feeders and can cause damage to a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and ornamentals. Look for chewed or damaged leaves, flowers, and fruits, as well as irregular holes or notches along the edges of foliage.

Sheltering Behavior:

Earwigs are nocturnal creatures that prefer to hide during the day and become active at night. Check for evidence of earwigs sheltering in damp, dark areas such as under rocks, logs, mulch, garden debris, or in cracks and crevices around the exterior of your home.

Moisture Preference:

Earwigs are attracted to moisture and are commonly found in areas with high humidity levels or excess moisture, such as basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and around leaky faucets or pipes.

Damage to Outdoor Structures:

In addition to feeding on plants, earwigs may also cause damage to outdoor structures such as wooden furniture, fences, and siding. Look for signs of chewing or gnawing, particularly in areas with high earwig activity.

Presence of Eggs or Nymphs:

If you discover earwig eggs or nymphs (young earwigs) in and around your property, it may indicate a breeding population nearby. Earwig eggs are small and oval-shaped, while nymphs resemble adult earwigs but are smaller and lack fully developed wings.

Unpleasant Odor:

In some cases, earwig infestations may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor, particularly if the insects are congregating in large numbers or if they have been disturbed.



If you notice any of these signs of an earwig infestation on your property, it's essential to take action promptly to prevent further damage and address the underlying problem. Professional pest control services can help identify the extent of the infestation, implement targeted treatments, and provide guidance on preventative measures to minimize the impact of earwigs on your home and garden.