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Earwigs

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Atlanta Georgia Professional Earwig Pest Control

Earwigs are tiny Dermaptera insects. As one of the smallest insect families, Dermaptera has around 2,000 members, all divided into 12 families. Earwigs have unique physical characteristics – cerci, forewings, and membranous hindwings. While many insect species have wings, the earwig’s wings are unique, as they are made of a thin membranous material that when extended outward looks like Batman’s cap. The insect has two sets of wings, one set is utilized for flying and another as a layer of protection for the flying wings. The “tegmina” is the term utilized in reference to the earwig’s non-flying wings. The leather-like tegmina are the shortest of the two sets of wings. Like the flying wings, the tegmina do not have veins.

Why Are There Earwigs In My Basement?

Earwigs have been categorized as an “overwintering pest,” a classification of insects that hibernate “overwinter” throughout the winter season. Overwintering is an important part of the earwig’s life because it protects the entire species from possible extinction. Winter weather is tolling on insects, including the earwig. Months of exposure to frigid cold temperatures, icy rain, snow, and brutal wings pose many dangers for the tiny insect. And, this is not to mention, food is difficult to find.

Small gaps and crevices in structural components of a building have the tendency to become earwig access points. Why the basement? Earwigs are drawn to dark, humid, warm/cool, and discrete hiding places. Basements have it all, discretion, dampness, darkness, and warmth.

Do Earwigs Bite?

Earwigs have been known to utilize their pincers or cerci to fend off predators. If the insect believes you or another household member is a predator, it may be enticed to utilize its cerci. Fortunately, the cerci are not strong enough to break the human skin. Earwigs utilize their curved cerci when mating, foraging for food and fighting off predators. Since the earwig is a social insect, the risk of an infestation is very low.

Earwigs do pose some health risks to you and your family. The species also classify as “pantry pests,” insects that invade the human habitat, hoping to find a vulnerable non-perishable food supply. After home infiltrate, the diet consists of non-perishable food, such as dried cereal, cookies, homemade candy, flour, cornmeal, chips, crackers, and bread.

Small contaminated fecal matter is dropped into the exposed food, resulting in contamination. It is crucial to immediately dispose of the contaminated food to avoid potential foodborne illnesses like Shigella, E. coli, and salmonella.

How Can I Get Earwigs Out Of My Basement?

Unlike the cockroach, flea, and dust mite, earwigs are not planning to hang out in your basement forever. In fact, the insects will make their exit the following spring or when the weather begins to warm. Of course, you are not willing to wait for the insect to make its escape. In this case, professional pest control is your best option, as it combines a thorough visual inspection of impacted rooms, in this case, the basement, with an industrial-strength pesticide.

Earwigs are extremely difficult to detect, even when they are taking refuge underneath a bathroom or kitchen sink inside your home. The insect’s nocturnal behavior allows it to stay undetected throughout overwintering, in many cases. In fact, most people are not even aware of the presence of earwigs in their homes. The insects may come and go without ever being detected. This is why we believe professional earwig management is the best option for Atlanta consumers.

Will DIY Pesticides Get Rid Of Every Earwig Overwintering In My Basement?

It could if you ever locate each earwig’s hiding place. Again, earwigs are nocturnal, meaning they only come out of hiding at night while the occupants are asleep. You could be sharing your living quarters with earwigs right this moment without being aware of it.

Will Earwig Insecticides Damage My Home?

No, our exterminators take extra precautions to protect our clients’ properties before, during, and after each pesticide treatment. We also do not treat homes occupied with humans and/or pets to avoid the risk of unnecessary chemical exposure.

Do I Need Special Equipment To Keep Earwigs Out Of My Basement In The Future?

No, you just need to be on top of your game. Seal all exterior-to-interior openings potentially utilized by earwigs to make their way into your basement. Foundation vents, air conditioning ductwork, and openings for electrical wiring and plumbing pipes are the most commonly utilized basement entry points. We suggest wood or metal sheeting custom fit to seal large openings. Smaller entry points can easily be sealed with caulk or silicone.

When Will The Exterminator Be Dispatched To My Atlanta Home?

Our pest control service request processing takes between 24 and 48 hours to complete. Once your request is received at our Atlanta location, we will remain in constant touch to ensure you are updated on every step of the process.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.

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