7 Signs of an Earwig Infestation: What to Look For

Earwigs, which are commonly known for their peculiar features and their pincers that have become a trademark, are household pests that are not welcome in our homes and gardens. Their presence not only in the home environment but also in our gardens are the main reasons for distress and damage to the property. The main goal of this article is to provide enough knowledge about the symptoms of earwig attacks so that homeowners can quickly identify and take precautionary actions. For example, if a person comprehends these indicators, it is possible that one will not have to arrange an earwig control service which will also be less annoying and money-saving for that person.

1. Visual Sightings

One of the big indicators of an earwig infestation is the presence of earwigs themselves. Earwigs are peculiar insects that are very easy to identify as they have long bodies and pincer-like forceps at the end of their abdomen. These creatures are usually colored mostly dark brown to reddish-brown and measure a range from 5-25 millimeters long. The owners can come across earwigs in-house in several spots:

• In wet areas such as basements or bathrooms
• In gardens under stones, logs, or debris
• Within flower pots or planters
• At the door and window frames
• Between the newspaper or cardboard boxes

In case they have continuedly been seeing a lot of earwigs in these areas, it can be that there is an infestation that is initiating and it may already require a professional earwig control service.

2. Plant Damage

Earwigs are omnivorous in nature and they are capable of causing severe damage to plants in both gardens and indoor potted plants. The signs of earwig-caused plant damage include:

• Irregular holes in the leaves that mostly occur in soft-leaved plants
• The damage of flower petals and buds
• Chewn-off leaf edges that look like gnawed tissue
• Strawberry plants with tunnels, especially in the softer fruits

Although there are other pests which can cause such damages, if earwig sightings are also noticed while plants are being damaged, it is a characteristic sign of the earwig infestation. In the occurrence, the persons can think to consult with expert pest control services agencies which will help to know the best course of action.

3. Fecal Matter

Small and not easy to see are the fecal droppings of earwigs, but these are additional catching means for the infestation. Tiny dark packs of the droppings are found constantly in places where earwig infestations are usual. The main places are these ones:

• The skirting boards throughout the house
• In the corners of the rooms
• At the base of the potted plants
• In dark areas far away from activities in the house

Presence of these droppings and especially if there are larger quantities, it means earwigs have set up a place and a specialized service like earwig pest control may be the best way to handle the question properly.

4. Unpleasant Odor

Earwigs have scent glands that release a bad smell when they are frightened. The smell, however, is not as strong as those of some other insects. Nevertheless, it is a musty smell that is found frequently in places where earwigs are active. More particularly, it is likely found in the following areas:

• Damage to the foundation of the house or having water in the basement
• Places with high moisture such as around leaky pipes
• Outdoor areas with dense vegetation or mulch

In the case that homeowners become aware of this particular odor together with other hints, they should think about a professional pest control service to check the situation and act accordingly.

5. Nocturnal Activity

It’s during the night mainly when the earwigs are the most active hence they are called nocturnal animals. Residents might notice increased activity or see these bugs more often after the sun set. The signs that earwigs are active during the night are:

• Earwigs disappearing when they are illuminated by the flashlights or other artificial lighting systems
• Frequenting around garden lights will become more obvious now
• Time to scrub off pests once they destroy one or two plants in the next morning will begin
• Setting out the traps or sticky paper overnight attracts earwigs and you will see them in the morning).

On-screen behavior is one of the surest ways to authenticate earwig infestation and then when to call for professional earwig control services.

6. Presence in Moist Environments

Earwigs love wet places, the better it is for them as they need high humidity to survive. Places with too much moisture and poor ventilation are among those that attract these insects pets the most. Symptoms of earwig presence in the damp areas include:

• Bunching up next to the faultily plumbing pipes under kitchen sinks or in bathrooms
• Living quietly in wet basements or crawl spaces
• Extraneous moisture under shady trees or unrecognized areas where the earth does not easily expel water from the ground
• Making themselves comfortable in bathrooms or laundry rooms which continuously produce steam

Isolating humidity target spots might repel earwigs but if the infestation is too severe, expert pest control specialists should be considered as a fast and smooth way of getting rid of the unwanted living things.

7. Entry Points

It is very important for homeowners to volunteer to identify likely routes for earwigs to use in the house as this will help them not only comprehend an infestation but also they will be able to eschew such disasters. Most likely suspects of being the entry points for earwigs are:

• Cracks in the foundation or walls
• Gaps around windows and doors
• Openings around pipes and utility lines
• Damaged or improperly sealed vents

“Close or cover these openings to make sure that earwigs don’t infest the place again but as for the problem of the present one, the professionals can handle it correctly constantly providing the instructions to the owners”.

Conclusion

Awareness of the symptoms of an earwig infestation is a thing, once recognized, that leads to the ability to keep the home and garden free of pests. With increased attention to visual sightings, damaged plants, fecal matter, odors, nocturnal activity, moist environments, and potential entry points, house owners can quickly find earwig troubles and avoid them. Routine infestation can be handled through DIY methods, but big infestations or cases that are on a regular basis avoided require professional pest control services.

To get in touch with pest control experts would be of help when numerous symptoms of earwig infestation are observed. They are the ones who will evaluate the problem comprehensively and take the appropriate steps to eliminate the problem. If pest infestation is arrested in time and properly, property should be safe from damage and living would be in a comfortable, pest-free environment.