What Every Greensboro, NC Resident Should Know About Earwigs

Earwigs range in size from a quarter of an inch to an inch in length. They are usually dark brown with lighter, yellowish legs. Their carapaces are shiny, and they have two sets of wings that fold over each other. They have long, threadlike antennae that are about half the length of their bodies. However, the most notable physical feature of earwigs is the intimidating set of pincers on their tail ends.

While many people fear an earwig bug bite, these insects are physically incapable of biting. Also unlikely, there is such a thing as an earwig pinch. An earwig pinch might be painful, but it will rarely break the skin, and there is no risk of venom, disease, or infection. An earwig bug bite isn’t possible for people, but these little guys are a pretty significant threat to garden plants.

What Attracts Earwigs To Your Greensboro Home?

Earwigs don’t need to come inside for survival during the winter, but during climate changes or food shortages, they may come in through cracks in your home’s exterior, making them occasional invaders. If you have a high humidity problem indoors, earwigs are much more likely to settle in. Places like bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and basements are the most likely areas for an earwig infestation in Greensboro houses.

The best way to solve these issues is to install dehumidifiers, fix leaky pipes, and ensure humid areas are well ventilated. In addition to keeping your indoor environment dry, you should seal openings around the outside of your home with silicone-based caulk or steel wool. Make sure doors and windows seal properly and that their screens are free of holes. This should block most invaders who come in on their own.

Five Myths About Earwigs

Earwigs are almost completely harmless, but they’ve been built into monsters through an ancient legend. Here are five myths about earwigs that you can finally put to rest:

1. “Earwigs go into your ears.” Earwigs do like to live in burrows, but they are no more likely to go in your ears than any other insect.
2. “Earwigs can burrow into your ear canals.” Again, earwigs have no interest in your ear - regardless of their name.
3. “Earwigs will lay eggs in your brain.” Earwigs eat materials from the garden. If an errant earwig happens to crawl across your ear, it is heading for more appropriate surroundings and will not be sticking around to lay any eggs!
4. “Earwigs can bite.” Earwigs do not have mouthparts capable of biting people.
5. “Earwigs are dangerous.” Earwigs don’t carry any venom or disease, the only risk of danger from these pests is a slight pinch if they are picked up or threatened.