Earwigs are one of the least understood insects found in basements and gardens. These tiny animals with their large, scary claws have generated a whole host of myths and misconceptions that still scare people without reason. It can be quite unnerving in a home to come across these bugs, and the threat of harming your health or your home is concerning to many homeowners.
Earwigs have unusual, forceps-like appendages that can promote fear and revulsion. Earwigs are not dangerous creatures, although continued infestations can be inconvenient for your home and garden plants. For large infestations of earwigs, it is worth enlisting the advice of a professional pest control expert, who will not only save you the effort but help you come up with a control strategy. Get started by first learning about common myths of Earwigs and more.
5 Common Myths About Earwigs And Truth
Here are some of the common myths that are widely believed by people, along with the actual reality.
Myth 1: You cannot Control Earwigs
Many homeowners feel that once earwigs are in, they cannot be gotten rid of. This simply is not true. Earwig management can involve reducing moisture around the foundation of buildings, debris, and leaf litter, and sealing entryways of homes. Crude traps, such as rolled newspapers or shallow containers with vegetable oil, can also help for population suppression.
Myth 2: Earwigs Damage Household Items
Earwigs are commonly believed to inflict great damage on homes, eating fabric, wood, and other materials in the household. The reality is that earwigs actually like dark and wet places which are full of rich organic matter, other insects, and some of your garden plants. They do not harm structural wood, furniture , or clothing. If they do appear inside, it is typically coincidental while searching for a place that offers some protection and humidity.
Myth 3: Earwigs Crawl Into Human Ears
This myth is the very reason for their nomenclature – “ear wiggler”. The reality is not nearly so scary. Earwigs, according to entomologists, could not care less about crawling into your ears. In a 2009 study of emergency room visits for things stuck in ears, involving 24,000 cases of ear-canal clutter, only 1 percent counted as involving any insect, and earwigs were exceedingly rare. So no, this is not the truth that people believe.
Myth 4: Earwigs Are Dangerous and Venomous
Some people think that earwigs are poisonous or can pinch people with their forceps. The truth is that earwigs are not poisonous, nor do they possess much desire to bite people. Defense and mating. The cerci of the earwigs are used in both defense and courtship. Although they can pinch human skin by grasping firmly, the pinch is harmless and causes little or no pain.
Myth 5: Earwigs Infest and Destroy Garden Plants
Yes, earwigs eat plants, and they can damage seedlings and soft fruits, but their devilish reputation as garden destroyers is largely overblown. According to research, earwigs are quite useful in plenty of gardens, hunting aphids and other unwanted bugs in the garden. While not harmful in small numbers, they can overtake an area and penetrate succulent plants during dry spells in search of moisture.
Wrapping Up
Learning the facts for what they are can minimize undue panic, so we can better control these pests if the need arises. Despite their frightful appearance due to their scary-looking pincers, earwigs are generally harmless critters that would rather stay away from people. They do not do much damage.
If you have a stubborn earwig issue that DIY remedies cannot beat, contacting a professional pest control service can offer targeted treatments. Professionals can also help pinpoint entry points, suggest treatment, and help avoid infestations in the future. All while ensuring the safety and well-being of your family and pets.
