European earwigs are quite well-known insects in the U.S. among those who are engage in home and garden work. A brief description of their appearance would be a slender reddish-brown body and a pair of pincers, which are the most striking feature. The European earwig often appears and is discuss with some topic of curiosity or even fright if it is found indoors or among the garden plants. This blog is meant for people who have or want to have knowledge about this pest. We will discuss all the topics that are related to the European earwig, such as its habitat, lifecycle, whether it bites, and the most important topic of how to get rid of European earwigs in the home and garden.
European Earwig Habitat
The European earwig habitat is a rather unexpected, diverse one that enables insects to spread all over the country. They are lung suited to dwell in moist and chilly conditions and are most alert in the night, wondering around in search of hideouts. When the weather is sunny they hide in cool and moist areas such as beneath rocks, mulch, logs, garden trash or even within flowers and fruits. Encountering these vipers may be quite common in gardens, woods, farms, and suburban lawns due to the dampness, which is their top choice, and it also allows locating spots that will be rich in organic materials and moisture.
When the season for courtship and mating is on, the female earwigs go in search of wonderful, loose soil to bury their nests and lay eggs there. Moreover, they can seen in the crevices of the wood, under the potted plants, or in the stacks of newspapers and lumber that are brought indoors, if the latter is the case. Bearing in mind the ability of the European earwig habitat it is understandable why the insects are so powerful in the conquest of the new territories and that is the very reason that they may appear as a trouble in the house, especially during periods if the dryness or cold time when they are searching for the better conditions for them.
European Earwig Life Cycle
Recognizing the European earwig life cycle is of utmost importance if one wants to control their numbers in an optimal way. Definitely similar to other species of insects, the European earwig life cycle comprises three significant phases, namely egg, nymph, and adult. Typical of females to deposit the eggs in the soil during late winter or early spring, with the number of eggs in one clutch being 60 at most. The diligent mother watches over her eggs in a way that she not only keeps them clean but also free from fungi and predators.
First off, the eggs become nymphs after a week; they are very small adults without fully develop wings and pincers. During 70 days that they will be undergoing further development, namely four growth stages or instars in a process of gradual maturity into adults. It is quite interesting to note that the European earwig life cycle is typical in that females can have one or two broods per year if they are in a favorable environment. Usually, the lifespan of the majority of the adults is around one year, with the males being the group that is generally more vulnerable and tends to disappear first, especially after the winter season.
Do European Earwigs Bite?
Is it among the questions if it is that European earwigs bite humans, that an answer has to found? Technically, yes, but the probability of the event is minimal. Most of the time, however, such insects use their pincers to protect themselves or to catch prey. In case of unintentional handling, a European earwig might pinch your skin, which can result in a mild, red mark or a bit of swelling; however, it is very unlikely that it will cause you to lose skin or any serious harm. Although the old myths, European earwigs do not go into ears to lay eggs or feed on brains—these are just the urban legends
How to Get Rid of European Earwigs
In case you were seeking ways on how to get rid of European earwigs, you are definitely not alone. Here we have some strategies that are simple and very effective to control these pests that can become just like a nuisance both inside and outside the home.
Reduce Moisture
Since a typical European earwig is a moisture-loving creature, get rid of excess moisture in your home and garden that most probably, they will use as a haven. Repair leaked faucets, improve drainage, and do not overwater the plants.
Remove Shelter
Besides that, it is good to get rid of all the possible hiding places of the European earwigs that created by the piles of leaves, mulch, wood, and other debris. Keep garden beds tidy and store firewood away from your house.
Seal Entry Points
Carefully search your house for cracks, gaps, or holes that could be the potential entry places for earwigs, and if found, close them definitely, and thus you will be sure that they will not find a way in.
Trap Earwigs
To catch and kill the earwigs without using chemicals, set some easy traps made from rolled-up newspapers, cardboard tubes, or shallow cans with a little bit of oil. Just splash them where you are sure that earwigs are. In the morning, get rid of the insects that got trap.
Targeted Pesticides
Should you decide to use pesticides on the earwigs, then select those that are earwig-specific. Do not ignore the label, and make sure that you read the instructions. Besides, you can think of non-chemical methods as a priority and only use the chemical ones as a last resort.
Only have the knowledge on how to get rid of European earwigs, it is still possible to be very active for your home and garden to be pest-free without being dependent on chemicals.
Conclusion
The European earwig is a tough and adaptable bug that has become a menace in gardens and homes all over the United States. It is good to know about the habitat of the European earwig, be able to identify the stages of the European earwig life cycle, and also find out the truth about their biting to be able to control the pests better. Above all, your property will be safe, and you will be able to enjoy a pest-free environment if you will strictly adhere to the ways of getting rid of the local pests that are verified to be efficient. Be watchful, maintain the cleanliness and dryness of your surroundings, and do not forget that with a proper strategy, European earwigs can turned from a menace into a mere presence in your home and garden.