Earwigs
Dermaptera
General Information
Earwigs get their name from the widespread superstition that these bugs crawl into people’s ears while they sleep.1 Fortunately, this is just a myth and earwigs are considered to be generally harmless to people. Nonetheless, these scary-looking pincher bugs can be a nuisance when found indoors. Find out more about these creatures and learn how to help get rid of earwigs.
- Earwigs are sometimes called “pincher bugs” because they have forcep-like pinchers.
- Earwigs are most active at night and can move very fast.
- They are often transported great distances in potted plants, nursery stock, other plant material, or firewood.
- Earwigs do not bite. However, if they are picked up or feel threatened, they will use their forceps to give a slight pinch.
Size
Color
Bite or Sting
Wings
Commonly mistaken for
Additional details
- Earwigs usually find shelter beneath stones, boards, debris, heavily thatched lawns, or in mulched flowerbeds.
- Earwigs come inside looking for food or a more suitable environment to hide.
- They are scavengers, feeding on dead animal and plant material. Some species will also feed on living plants.
- Earwigs will not damage the home or infest food supplies, but they can be a nuisance when found in the home.
- Some pincher bugs will damage flowers and various crops.
- Their forcep-like tail makes earwigs look dangerous and can be frightening to some people when found indoors.1 However, these scary-looking bugs are not dangerous to humans.
- When disturbed or crushed, earwigs can emit a foul-smelling, yellowish-brown liquid from their sweat glands.1
- Keep compost piles and decaying vegetation away from the house.
- Caulk windows and any foundation cracks to help keep earwigs from entering your home.
- If you notice earwigs in your house or basement, try running a dehumidifier to make the areas less humid, and therefore less appealing to these bugs.
Solutions for Earwings
Raid® Multi Insect Killer Eucalyptus kills flying and crawling insects fast. Its low odour formulation with eucalyptus scent makes it suitable for use in and around the home while delivering effective insect control. A dual-purpose aerosol designed to control a wide range of insects across different environments, including indoor areas and outdoor spaces such as patios, gardens, and picnic areas.
Highlights
- Fast killing action, effective with one direct spray
- Kills flying and crawling insects
- Low odour formulation with eucalyptus scent
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Raid® Multi Insect Killer Odourless kills flying and crawling insects fast. The odourless formulation makes it suitable for use indoors, while still delivering effective insect control for a wide range of pest problems. Designed for everyday household use, this aerosol can be applied across multiple environments including living spaces, patios, and gardens, offering versatile protection against insects.
- Kills flying and crawling insects on contact
- Fast killing action, even with direct spray
- Odourless formula for indoor comfort
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- May be sprayed directly onto plants (with care)
Raid® MAX Cockroach Specialist Killer kills crawling insects on contact and is designed for targeted application in areas where insects are present in and around the home. Can be applied directly to insects or onto surfaces where crawling insects are present, including cracks, crevices, and entry points.
Highlights
- Kills cockroaches instantly on contact
- Maximum protection for heavy infestations
- Kills cockroaches and the eggs they carry for up to 4 months*.
- Flushes out hidden cockroaches.
*on glass surfaces
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