Earwigs (pincher bugs) may look frightening but are harmless to humans — however they become a nuisance indoors and damage landscaping.
Earwigs, commonly referred to as 'Pincher Bugs,' are another frightening alien-looking pest that can pinch but pose no real harm to humans and pets. In Sacramento, Roseville, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, and Folsom, homeowners deal with them year-round. While they pose no danger, they become a nuisance when enough of them invade your home. For people who love their landscaping, earwigs are known to damage and destroy fruits, berries, seedling vegetables, and annual flowers.
Knowing which earwig species you're dealing with helps determine the best treatment approach for your home.
The most common earwig species in Sacramento. Dark brown with forceps-like pincers on their abdomen. They are nocturnal and attracted to lights at night. They feed on plants, fruits, and other insects.
Larger than the European earwig with distinct light and dark stripes. They are strong fliers and are more commonly found in Southern Sacramento County. They are attracted to lights and can enter homes in large numbers.
Look for these common indicators that earwigs have made themselves at home on your property.
Earwigs produce a yellowish-brown secretion when scared or crushed that has a distinct foul odor. If you notice an unusual smell in areas where earwigs congregate, it's a sign of activity.
Earwigs are nocturnal and hide during the day under rugs, planters, foundation cracks, and other dark, damp areas. You'll spot them crawling on surfaces at night.
Earwigs feed on decaying plant material, seedlings, and soft fruits. If you notice irregular holes in leaves or damaged garden plants, earwigs may be the culprit.
Follow these proven strategies to reduce and eliminate earwig activity around your home.
Inspect and seal gaps around your foundation, windows, and door frames. Earwigs enter through the smallest openings to find shelter indoors.
Replace damaged window and door screens. Install or repair weatherstripping to eliminate entry points that earwigs use to get inside.
Clear old vegetation, firewood piles, and fallen leaves from around your home's foundation. These provide ideal harborage for earwigs.
Earwigs thrive in dim, damp areas. Fix leaky faucets, ensure proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers in crawl spaces and basements.
Check under planters, landscape timbers, and mulch beds regularly. Early detection prevents earwig populations from growing out of control.
A professional earwig interior and exterior barrier treatment plan keeps earwigs from entering your home year-round with ongoing protection.
With over 20 years of experience in the Greater Sacramento area, we're your friendly and reliable earwig pest experts. Our service is backed by the Pointer Promise Warranty with free unlimited treatments in between.
We provide professional earwig control throughout Sacramento and Placer counties. Find earwig control services in your city.
Call Pointer Pest Control today for a free inspection and customized earwig control plan. Family-owned, backed by the Pointer Promise Warranty.
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