Earwigs Pest Control
Earwigs are a common pest that can cause damage to gardens and homes. It is important to have effective earwig pest control services in place to eliminate and prevent infestations. Flick Pest Control offers specialised treatments to eradicate earwigs and ensure that they do not return. These services include inspections, targeted treatments, and ongoing monitoring to keep properties free from earwig infestations.
From Preparation to Treatment
Because there are different types of earwigs, our professional earwig pest control team will start by identifying your infestation. The specific type of earwig you are struggling with will largely depend on where you live and the type of sources they have to feed on.
If you have questions, you can call us on 1300 270 019 for assistance.
Once we know where to start, we can choose the appropriate earwig treatment to treat your home or business.
Shield Your Family & Home Year Round from Earwigs
Flick's Home Protection Plans
Flick's Home Protection Plans provide effective and affordable protection for your home and family from a wide range of pests. Our Gold plan includes preventive measures to stop earwigs from entering your home in the first place, as well as reactive and emergency earwig pest control services if needed. All plans come with a 12-month warranty* and easy monthly payments. With a variety of plans to choose from, you can find a plan that meets your specific needs and budget. Contact your local Flick branch to see if Home Protection is available in your area and begin shielding your family from earwigs today!
Common Earwig Questions
Are earwigs harmful to humans?
Earwigs are not harmful to humans. While they may appear intimidating with their pincers, they are generally considered harmless pests. Earwigs primarily feed on decaying vegetation, insects, and occasionally plant material. They do not pose any direct health risks to humans and do not transmit diseases. However, it is worth noting that in rare cases, earwigs may pinch if they feel threatened, which can cause a minor discomfort.
How do earwigs enter homes?
Earwigs can enter homes in various ways. They are nocturnal insects that are attracted to moisture and darkness, so they often seek shelter in damp and dark areas around the house. They can enter through cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and foundations. They are also known to hitch a ride on items such as clothing, boxes, or plants that are brought inside the house. Once inside, they can hide in moist areas like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens.
What do earwigs eat?
Earwigs have a diverse diet and are known to consume both plant material and small insects. They often feed on decaying leaves, flowers, and fruits, as well as on other insects, small spiders, and mites. Additionally, earwigs may also eat aphids, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects, making them beneficial predators in gardens and agricultural fields. However, they can also cause damage to crops and ornamental plants if their population becomes too large.
How can I prevent earwigs from infesting my garden?
First, remove any debris or decaying plant matter from the garden as earwigs are attracted to these areas. Additionally, consider creating a barrier around your garden by placing a strip of gravel or sand around the perimeter, as earwigs are less likely to cross these types of surfaces. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of earwig damage and take immediate action if you notice any. You can also use organic insecticides or create homemade traps using oil or soy sauce to attract and capture earwigs.
Common Earwigs
European Earwig (Forficula Auricularia)
Appearance
The European Earwig has a long, slender reddish-brown body with prominent pincers at the end of its abdomen.
Lifestyle
The European Earwig is known for its unique mating behavior, where the male and female engage in a courtship ritual that involves physical contact and the male providing food for the female.
Habits
European Earwigs are primarily nocturnal creatures, hiding in dark and damp areas during the day and emerging at night to feed on a variety of plant material, insects, and decaying matter.
Striped Earwig (Labidura Truncata)
Appearance
Known for its unique appearance, the Striped Earwig has distinct stripes on its body, which vary in colour from brown to black and assists with camouflage. This insect also has elongated pincers, or forceps, at the end of its abdomen, which it uses for defense and capturing prey.
Lifestyle
Striped Earwigs are known for their solitary nature, with minimal social interactions within their own species.
Habits
The Striped Earwig is primarily nocturnal and feeds on decaying organic matter, as well as small insects. They are often found in dark and damp habitats, such as under rocks or in leaf litter.