Earwigs

Professional Earwig Pest Control Chicago IL

The earwig is a Dermaptera insect species, with a long slender body. The insect’s most unique feature, a very important feature indeed, is the “cerci”. The earwig cerci operate in the same manner as pincers or forceps. The cerci play a major role in the life of an earwig, fighting off predators, foraging for food, and mating. The curvature design and approximately 1.7 inches in length, making the cerci pretty powerful tools for the tiny earwig, which is about 2 inches long.

Dermaptera is one of the smallest insect orders, with approximately 1,800 members. Compared to the 400,000 Coleoptera insect species, 6,000 Collembola insect species, and 120,000 Diptera, yes, Dermaptera has the smallest number of species.

The Dermaptera earwig is known for its unique wings. When the insect spreads its wings wide open, a leathery, membranous wing tissue becomes much more obvious. The “tegmina” wings are void of veins. They are utilize utilized for flying, but to add a layer of protection to the insect’s flying wings.

Like most insect species, the earwig develops through a process deemed “molting.” During each molting phase, the earwig sheds and grows a new exoskeleton. The earwig undergoes between 4 and 6 molting processes before reaching full maturity.

Why Have Earwigs Infiltrated My Basement?

The earwig meets the scientific criteria to be placed under the insect classification “overwintering.” The classification is utilized in reference to a process insects undergo to better survive the winter season. Like hibernation, overwintering allows insects to enter a state similar to deep sleep. Overwintering earwigs reduce their heart rate and breathing, as part of energy conservation. Experts believe overwintering protects insects, like hibernation protects animals, from extinction due to harsh winters. During the winter, food and water are more often scarce or nonexistent in many cases. Then there is the threat of predatory insects and animals, in need of an earwig meal. With overwintering, earwigs do not need to forage for food or water, but instead, relies on nutrients from stored body fats.

Even though the earwig is protected by the overwintering process, the indoor environment is preferable. Homes with structural vulnerabilities are at a high rate of being infiltrated by earwigs and other overwintering pest species. Earwig infiltrate is more problematic for homes with weak pest barriers. While buildings do not actually have pest barriers, they do not structural components that act as pest barriers. When the responsible structural components are in need of repair, earwigs will take advantage of the vulnerabilities to infiltrate the home.

Do Earwigs Spread Disease Through Bites?

No, earwigs do not transmit diseases to humans or animals. The insect does not bite or sting. And, its cerci are not powerful enough to pierce the skin of a human or animal. Earwigs are nuisance pests, not a health threat to owners of the infiltrated property.

Earwigs do feed on various plant species, including some houseplants. However, the overwintering earwig does not feed, beginning at the onset of winter, until the following spring.

The insect species are also known to infiltrate homes as “pantry pests” in the summer and fall seasons. As a pantry pest, the earwig invades residential and commercial establishments in search of pantry foods. The earwig pantry pest diet consists of non-refrigerated food stored in vulnerable manufacturing packagings. Any food stored in paperboard or thin plastic bag is vulnerable to the earwig pantry pest.

What Is The Most Recommended Professional Earwig Management Solution?

A custom extermination strategy that combines multiple treatments – pesticides, traps, inspections, education, and neighborhood awareness. Fortunately, the earwig is a solitary insect species. This means, the insect spends most of its time alone. Solitary insects are less likely to cause infestation than social insects. However, it is not unusual for a variety of overwintering pest species to infiltrate the same home. And, the same thing can easily be said about pantry pest species.

A custom industrial-grade insecticide, combined with adhesive traps installed in high-risk areas – basements, crawlspaces, underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks, and shower rooms. It is crucial to target the high-risk areas first because this is where the earwigs will most likely be sheltering down for the winter.

If the exterminator determines the culprit is an earwig pantry pest, the kitchen and dining room will become the targeted areas.

When Will The Exterminator Be Available For An Earwig Home Inspection?

Once your earwig inspection service request is processed, the customer service representative will contact you, regarding an appointment. We highly suggest an appointment that will fit your schedule to avoid stress and confusion.

We need up to 48 hours to process your service request. If this is not a suitable solution, we suggest taking advantage of our same-day or emergency pest control service.

Does Conventional Earwig Insecticide Contain Harmful Toxins?

The toxins found in conventional insecticides is necessary to eradicate earwigs. The chemicals are also toxic to the environment, but only when they are stored, transported, handled, and administered improperly When the manufacturer’s administration recommendations are ignored, there is a major risk for environmental exposure.

To minimize these risks, our exterminators utilize state-of-the-art equipment, with a 90-degrees nozzle to ensure direct contact with earwigs, and minimal contact with the surroundings.

How Can Chicago Residents Protect Their Properties From Future Earwig Infestation?

We suggest starting by targeting the vulnerable structural components responsible for the initial earwig infiltration. Seal all openings (earwig access points) with a waterproof sealant. Medium openings should be sealed with a stainless steel pot scrubber, large openings with metal sheeting.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.