Earwigs
Biology
Earwigs overwinter outdoors in protected environments. The females lay their eggs in under the ground and then tend the newly hatched nymphs. Earwigs have 4-5 developmental molts. The development averages about 56 days for the striped and takes about 68 days for the European earwig, both having 4 molts. European females lay around 30-55 eggs in her first cluster and possibly lay 3-4 more batches. The red-legged female lays about 40-53 eggs on the average and its 5 developmental molts. They normally take about 80 days to complete development. Some females may live as long as 7 months after attaining maturity.
Earwigs have a distinctive unpleasant odor which is released when they are crushed, but some species can squirt the liquid. They are sociables in nature, typically living in groups.
Feeding Preferences
Earwigs feed on live or dead plants and insects.
Transmitted Diseases
Earwigs do not transmit human diseases.
Habits
Earwigs are nocturnal or active at night and hide during the day in moist, shady places such as under stones or logs, or in mulch. The eggs and nymphs cannot go long periods of dryness.
The red-legged earwig has been recorded as a pest of Irish and sweet potatoes in storage damaging the roots of greenhouse vegetables, and nurseries. The striped earwig has not been recorded as damaging plants.
Earwigs are attracted to light. Usually it is the European and red-legged earwigs which occasionally invade homes, sometimes by the hundreds or thousands. Earwigs have been known to squirt their foul smelling liquid and use its pincers in defense if it feels threatened. The bite of an earwig can be painful, but they are not venomous. Red-legged earwigs may cause skin abrasions in humans.
Structural Pest Program
David will perform a thorough inspection on both the interior and exterior of your home, finding all the infested areas and identifying which pests you are dealing with. Once identified, David will employ a pest control program that is designed to target the specific pests in your home.
