Earwigs
Earwigs are dark reddish-brown insects, about ½ inch to 1 inch long, with prominent claw-like pinchers located on the end of their abdomen. The pinchers are mainly used as a defense weapon against predators, but can also be utilized to capture prey.
Damage
Earwigs quickly consume young seedlings, eat small holes in both flowers and foliage of annuals and vegetables, and can damage soft fruit like strawberries. They feed mostly at night and hide in moist, dark places during the day. Earwigs will sometimes invade the home, especially during hot weather or drought-like conditions. They don't cause real damage to the home, but are a nuisance and may pinch when provoked. Some species can release a foul smelling pheromone that attracts other Earwigs.
Location
Earwigs are found throughout the United States.
Similar or Related Pests
Roaches, Rove Beetle
Cultural Solutions
- Earwig numbers can be reduced by trapping. Place rolled up newspaper, pieces of cardboard or similar material around the garden. Collect them each day and dispose of the earwigs into a bucket of soapy water.
- Earwigs can also be trapped with small containers (cat food cans) filled with some type of fish oil. Push the container into the ground so its level with the surrounding soil and empty daily.
- Remove damp leaf litter which acts as harborage for them.
- Keep your home, yard and garden sanitary.
- Patch cracks in windows or doors.
Complete Brand Insect Killer For Soil & Turf-32 oz. Ready-To-Spray
Complete Brand Insect Killer For Soil & Turf-32 oz. Ready-To-Spray
- Kills listed surface insects in 24 hours
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- Kills Mosquitoes
- 32oz Ready-To-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft
- 40oz. Concentrate makes up to 80 gallons of spray
- Excludes Pharaoh Ants
Home Pest Plus Germ Killer-1 Gallon Bottle
Home Pest Plus Germ Killer-1 Gallon Bottle
- Kills ants and roaches in seconds
- Kills 60+ listed pests
- Up to 12 months of indoor insect protection
Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer-1.3 Gallon Bottle
Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer-1.3 Gallon Bottle
- Ergo-Grip spraying technology for ease-of-use
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¹For German Cockroaches, Black Carpenter Ants and House Crickets on nonporous surfaces.
Home Pest Insect Killer Continuous Spray-15 oz.
Home Pest Insect Killer Continuous Spray-15 oz.
- Kills Ants, Fleas, Roaches, Scorpions, Spiders, and other listed insects
- Kills Fleas for up to 12 months
- Kills over 50 listed insects, 6X more than the competition1
¹based on product label comparisons
Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer-15.7 oz Continuous Spray
Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer-15.7 oz Continuous Spray
- Kills listed insects by contact PLUS protects against listed pests up to 30 days
- Great for houseplants
Home Pest Bed Bug & Flea Killer Continuous Spray-15 oz.
Home Pest Bed Bug & Flea Killer Continuous Spray-15 oz.
- Kills pyrethroid-resistant Bed Bugs and keeps on killing for up to 30 days
- Kills Bed Bug eggs before they hatch
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