How Do I Get Earwigs Out Of My San Antonio Home?

Just the sight of earwigs causes most people to retreat in terror. These small bugs have a menacing appearance that makes them look much more intimidating than they actually are. While these bugs are not known to cause any harm to humans, they are still an insect you don't want to see roaming around your home. 

At EnviroGuard, our experienced San Antonio pest control service professionals know how to determine why earwigs are in your home and the best way to get them out.

What Do Earwigs Look Like? 

Earwig bugs in San Antonio have a unique appearance and almost look like something out of a science-fiction or fantasy novel. They have long, slender bodies that are about an inch long and dark brown in color. They have six short legs that are able to move surprisingly fast, and they also have two long antennae on the top of their heads. One of the things that makes this bug stand out from other insects is its large pincers at the end of its abdomen. 

The male earwigs have larger and more prominent pincers that are curved. The female's pincers are straighter but still look just as intimidating. When the earwig walks, it will usually raise its pincer up in the air, which can be alarming to see crawling through your home.

Earwigs also have two pairs of wings that fold flat against their bodies. Their front wings are short and are used to cover the back wings when not in use. The hind wings fold out in a way that is similar to an accordion-style fan. The wings are extremely large compared to its body and look almost like thin sheets of metallic-colored paper. While the earwig wings look impressive, they rarely use them and will only fly short distances occasionally. 

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

Earwigs may look scary, but they actually pose no health risk to people or pets and are not known to spread diseases or viruses. They are also not known to bite, and they don't have a stinger. However, if they feel threatened, they may pinch you with their large pincers, but it usually only causes mild pain and rarely breaks through the skin. 

How Can I Prevent Earwigs In My Home?

Earwigs love to eat decomposed or rotting vegetation and insects when they are outdoors. However, when earwigs come into your home, they will eat just about anything. One of the ways to keep earwigs from your home is to make their potential food sources inaccessible. A few steps that you can take to prevent earwigs from getting into your home include:

• Look for tears or gashes in your door and window screens and repair them immediately.

• Seal up any cracks or gaps that you have around your home.

• Use a metal or wire mesh covering over the vents that are located on the exterior walls of your home.

• Keep firewood stacks as far away from your home as possible.

Earwigs like warm and moist areas. If they come into your home, they are usually found in the laundry room, under the sink, in the bathroom, or in some other moist and humid area. To prevent an earwig infestation, use a dehumidifier in your home or make sure that all of the humid areas are well-ventilated. 

What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Earwigs?

Earwigs are fast and sneaky. If you want to eliminate these bugs from your home, give us a call today. At EnviroGuard, we know the right way to find and eliminate earwigs from your San Antonio home. Give us a call today to get your free quote for home pest control in San Antonio!