Are you seeing little insects with long, pinch-like tails crawling around your home or garden? These curious creatures are called earwigs. In this blog, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about earwigs, including fun facts, photos, and how to keep them out of your house with the best pest control services in Los Angeles.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are small insects that belong to the order Dermaptera. Their most noticeable feature is the pair of forceps-like pincers (called cerci) at the end of their abdomen. These pincers look scary but are generally harmless to humans.

What Do Earwigs Look Like?

  • Size: They are about 1/4 to 1 inch long.

  • Colour: Usually brown or black.

  • Body: Slender, with two long antennae and six legs.

  • Wings: Some species have wings, but they rarely fly.

Check out these photos of earwigs to see what they look like up close!

Where Do Earwigs Live?

Earwigs love dark, damp places. You can find them:

  • Under rocks, logs, and mulch in gardens.

  • Hiding in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens in homes.

  • In cracks and crevices outside your house.

Earwigs are more active at night and prefer moist environments, which is why they often appear after rain or watering your garden.

Do Earwigs Really Crawl Into Ears?

There’s an old myth that earwigs crawl into people’s ears to lay eggs. This is not true! Earwigs do not enter ears or harm humans. The name "earwig" probably comes from ancient stories, but in reality, these insects prefer to stay away from people.

What Do Earwigs Eat?

Earwigs are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and small insects. Their diet includes:

  • Dead insects and plant matter

  • Flowers, fruits, and vegetables

  • Aphids, mites, and other pests (which can be beneficial for gardens)

However, too many earwigs in your garden can damage seedlings, petals, and leaves.

Are Earwigs Harmful?

Earwigs are not dangerous to humans or pets. They don’t spread diseases, bite, or sting. However, they can become a nuisance when they enter your home. If you see lots of earwigs indoors, it’s a sign that you may need home pest control in Los Angeles.

Why Are There Earwigs in My House?

Earwigs enter homes for a few reasons:

  • They are attracted to light and moisture.

  • Cracks and gaps in doors, windows, or foundations provide easy entry.

  • Overwatering plants near the foundation can attract them.

If you live in Los Angeles, the combination of warm weather and watering habits can attract earwigs. Sealing entry points and reducing moisture are key to preventing them.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs at Home

Here are some simple steps for pest control at home in Los Angeles:

Seal cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and walls.
Fix leaks and moisture problems, especially in bathrooms and basements.
Keep the yard clean by removing piles of leaves, mulch, and wood.
Use sticky traps near problem areas to catch earwigs.
Reduce outdoor lighting to avoid attracting them at night.

If you still see earwigs, it may be time to call the best pest control services in Los Angeles.

How Much Does Earwig Pest Control Cost in Los Angeles?

The pest control cost in Los Angeles depends on:

  • The size of your property.

  • The level of infestation.

  • The type of treatment used (for example, natural treatments or chemical sprays).

Generally, pest control for earwigs can range from $100 to $400 per treatment. Regular maintenance may be recommended for lasting results. A professional pest control expert will inspect your property and provide a custom quote.

Fun Facts About Earwigs

Here are some cool facts you can share with your friends:

Earwigs are ancient! Fossils show they’ve been around for over 200 million years.
They clean themselves. Earwigs use their pincers to groom their antennae.
They are nocturnal. Earwigs are most active at night and hide during the day.
They play a role in nature. By eating dead insects and plants, earwigs help clean the environment.

When to Call the Best Pest Control Services in Los Angeles?

If you notice:

  • Multiple earwigs indoors (especially in bathrooms or kitchens).

  • Damp areas near walls or foundations.

  • Cracks and gaps around your home.

  • Damage to plants in your garden.

It’s a good idea to contact a professional pest control company in Los Angeles. Experts have the tools and experience to handle the problem quickly and safely.

Conclusion

Earwigs might look a bit creepy with their pincers, but they’re mostly harmless. However, too many of them inside your home can become a real nuisance. Pest control at home in Los Angeles is the best way to keep your living space comfortable and bug-free.

If you’re struggling with an earwig problem, don’t wait. Call the best pest control services in Los Angeles today to get a free estimate and expert advice. Remember, a pest-free home is a happy home!