Earwigs are attracted to damp or moist and dark areas, and they may find their way inside your home while looking for these perfect living conditions. Earwigs are moisture pests, and if you have moist soil around your home, especially with areas of shade, you may invite earwigs into your yard. Earwigs can enter homes by crawling inside through cracks, gaps, and holes that lead inside the structure. Earwigs are a warning sign that your home may have water-damaged wood or another pre-existing pest problem that is damaging the wood of your home. Therefore, earwigs may indicate that you have a bigger problem going on beneath the surface.
Here are some signs of an earwig infestation:
- Foul smell: When earwigs are crushed, they secrete a yellow-brown substance that gives off a very foul odor.
- Live bugs: The presence of live bugs, either inside your home or near outdoor lights (especially at night) indicates there may be a congregation of earwigs nearby.
- Dead plants: If you have plants or shrubs that were once thriving and are now dying or dead, there is a good chance earwigs are lurking nearby.
- Live or dead bugs near sources of moisture: Earwigs will seek moist, cool places to inhabit indoors. They can often be found congregating in the soil of houseplants, under wet rugs, carpet, or laundry, and around kitchen and bathroom baseboards.
If you suspect an earwig infestation, it is best to have a professional pest control technician do a detailed inspection to assess the issue.
