The Battle Against Earwigs: Strategies For Success Around Your Boise Home
August 25, 2023
Earwigs are a type of pest known as occasional invaders. These pests tend to invade homes in response to changes in their natural environment rather than because they are attracted to something in particular. For this reason, they aren’t generally as dangerous or concerning as many other pests. However, it is still important that you know how to deal with earwigs and make sure that they don’t cause any issues.
In this article, we’ll cover some basic principles for earwig control in Boise. We’ll talk about how to spot the signs of an earwig infestation; the issues earwigs can cause in your home, and some strategies for prevention that will help you keep these pests away. Finally, we’ll discuss the benefits of professional pest control for earwigs, such as the services provided by our team at Owyhee Environmental.

Signs Of Earwig Infestation: How To Detect The Issue
The first thing to keep an eye out for when it comes to earwigs is common signs of their presence. Staying alert for earwigs in your house will help you react quickly to an infestation. Earwigs are insects with long, flat bodies that are typically dark brown. They range from ¼ to 1 inch long and have six legs and two antennae.
The two main indicators of earwigs in your home are the insects themselves and dead or damaged plants. Some species of earwigs also exude a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism. You may see increased earwig activity near outdoor lights during the nighttime. In the next section, we’ll talk about why you’ll want to get rid of earwigs quickly.
Earwig Issues: Harmless To You, Dangerous To Your Plants
Some old folktales claim earwigs will crawl into people’s ears while they are sleeping and eat their brains; this is where the earwig gets its name. These stories are completely false, however. Earwigs aren’t a threat to you, as they don’t spread diseases and aren’t venomous. They are a threat to your plants, however. House plants and garden crops serve as food sources for these pests, and the damage they cause can destroy vegetation or prevent it from growing entirely. Next, let’s go over a few things you can do to reduce the chance of an earwig infestation on your property.
Earwig Prevention Strategies: Natural Remedies That Work
Earwigs, like many insects, are sensitive to certain smells. It is possible to use certain essential oils to get rid of earwigs or at least deter them from entering an area. Here are a few natural remedies that may drive these pests away:
- Rubbing alcohol and water
- Diatomaceous earth
- Boric acid
- Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and basil
- Soy sauce and olive oil
These natural remedies may have varying success rates, so keep that in mind. As with all pests, the best way to be sure that you’ve gotten rid of earwigs in your home is to hire a professional home pest control company.
Professional Pest Control: Long-Term Earwig Control
If you need an earwig exterminator in Boise, look no further than the experts at Owyhee Environmental. Our family-owned company is committed to providing reliable, affordable, environmentally friendly solutions to the pest issues that plague our customers. Your satisfaction is our number one priority, and we can offer a level of personal, friendly interaction that you won’t get from a bigger, more commercialized company.
Contact Owyhee Environmental today for assistance with all your pest concerns.
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