Earwigs

Professional Earwig Pest Management In Toronto

The earwig can sometimes be mistaken for the centipede. To differentiate between the two insect species, count the pairs of legs. The earwig has three pairs of legs while the centipede has up to 177 pairs of legs. Both insect species appear to be crawling on their stomach, but, in fact, are walking on their legs.

The earwig is a member of the Dermaptera family. The insect species is one of more than 900 Dermaptera members. The long, thin body ranges between dark brown and reddish/brown coloration. The adult grows up to one inch in length, excluding the three-inch Saint Helena giant earwig species.

The insect’s most unique feature is its “cerci,” appendages that operate in the same manner as medical forceps. The species is comprised of both winged and wingless adults. While the wingless earwig does not have flying capabilities, the winged earwig rarely utilizes its flying capabilities.

An old tale claims the earwig was first discovered living in a human brain. The tale goes so far as to say the insect accessed the human brain via the ear canal.

Why Is My Toronto Home Under An Earwig Attack?

Earwigs meet the criteria to be deemed an “overwintering pest.” This classification consists of insect species that enter a dormant state – overwintering – when the winter season kicks in. To prepare for overwintering, the earwig begins looking for discrete, warm, safe, indoor shelter away from the harsh winter weather.

Overwintering is similar to hibernate, both of which are described as a “deep sleep.”

Earwigs are difficult to detect after an infiltration because they exhibit nocturnal behavior and select hiding places away from the household members. The insect prefers high-humidity areas, such as the basement, crawlspace, attic, and bathroom.

Unlike many overwintering insects, the earwig continues eating after infiltration. In their natural habitat, earwigs feed on crops like cauliflower, peach, celery, grape, strawberry, lettuce, plum, and blackberry. The insect will also feed on various flower species, including the rose, sunflower, dahlia, rose, and hollyhock.

Should I Be Worried About My Family While My Home Is Infested With Earwigs?

It is natural for Toronto residents to be concerned about their family’s safety when dealing with a full-blown earwig infestation. Fortunately, the earwig has not been shown to transmit diseases or parasites to humans or animals.

And, the cerci are too weak to pierce human or animal skin. Victims should worry more about their indoor plants than their family’s health.

How To Approach An Earwig Infestation Without Extermination Experience Or Tools?

It is not unusual for earwig victims to seek treatment from over-the-counter conventional pest control products like pesticides and insecticides. While these products have been shown to exterminate live earwigs, their low-strength formulas make them too weak to offer full earwig extermination.

Professional pest management is only available through a licensed exterminator or extermination company. This service combines industrial-strength (maximum strength) pesticides, routine inspections, and traps to fully eradicate earwig infestations in less than three separate treatments.

How Long Does It Take Your Toronto Extermination Company To Process An Earwig Inspection Request?

It can take up to 48 hours for our customer support to fully process a pest management service request. In the meantime, we recommend transitioning from outdoor lighting that utilizes mercury or neon vapor bulbs to sodium vapor yellow bulbs. This will help deter the earwig from targeting your home in the late fall.

We also recommend sealing all potential exterior to interior access points utilized by the earwig to invade human living spaces.

Will The Exterminator Treat My Toronto Home While It Is Still Occupied?

No, our exterminators will not initiate a pest control treatment as long as the family is present. Some pesticide formulas contain ingredients that may be harmful to humans and animals. The Environmental Protection Alliance recommends evacuation prior to any pesticide or insecticide treatment.

We offer a broad range of earwig treatments, including chemical, organic, eco-friendly, natural, and non-toxic pesticides. Free free to request information about these treatments via email, landline, or text message.

How Would You Approach My Toronto Earwig Infestation?

We approach all earwig cases with a visual inspection. During the inspection, the exterminator is looking for evidence of an infestation. Once it is determined that the home is infested with earwigs, the exterminator will then look for evidence that can be utilized to determine the severity of the infestation.

We utilize all data collected during the inspection to determine the best course of action, which we believe is a custom pest control strategy.

To prevent a repeat earwig infestation, we recommend targeting your home’s vulnerable pest barrier. The barrier consists of components like doors and windows to keep earwigs and other insect species outside. It is crucial to assess every inch of the vulnerable pest barrier. Start searching around doors, windows, the foundation, vents, eaves, soffit, utility lines, and garage doors.

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