EARWIGS
EXTERMINATOR

Getting rid of earwigs (or forficulas) may require a multiple approach. Here are some suggestions to help you:

1. Clean up your environment: Earwigs like dark, damp, cluttered areas. Therefore, clean up piles of leaves, wood and other debris in your garden. Check and seal cracks and openings in the walls of your home.
2. Control moisture: Earwigs are attracted to moisture. Be sure to drain the water around your home and correct any moisture problems inside.
3. Use traps: You can create earwig traps by rolling up a wet newspaper or using a jar filled with wet bran or straw. The earwigs will enter the trap to hide. You can then remove the traps from your home.
4. Use insecticides: If the infestation is severe, you may consider using an insecticide specifically designed for earwigs. Be sure to follow all instructions on the package for application.
5. Consult a professional: If you are having trouble controlling the infestation, it may be helpful to call in a professional exterminator.

Don’t forget that earwigs can also be useful in the garden, as they feed on small pests and decaying plant material. It is therefore preferable not to eliminate them completely, but rather to control them.

There may be an abundance of earwigs (or forficulae) for several reasons:

1. Favourable conditions: Earwigs prefer dark, humid and well-sheltered places. If your home or garden has many such nooks and crannies, this could explain their presence in large numbers.
2. Food Availability: Earwigs feed on a wide variety of materials including plant debris, small insects, and decaying organic matter. An abundant food supply can therefore attract and maintain a large population of earwigs.
3. Lack of predators: In an environment where their natural predators (birds, spiders, certain insects) are absent or in small numbers, the earwig population can increase.
4. Breeding season: During their breeding season, which is usually in the spring, you may see an increase in their population.
5. Climate Change: Earwigs are most active during periods of warm, humid weather. In addition, if outdoor conditions become too dry or cold, they may seek refuge inside their homes.

It is important to note that while they may be unpleasant or scary to some people, earwigs are generally harmless to humans and may even be beneficial to the ecosystem by helping to break down organic matter.

Several factors can attract earwigs, also known as earwiggers, to your home or garden:

1. Humidity: Earwigs like humidity. They are often attracted to damp areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, leaky pipes or clogged gutters. Outdoors, they may be attracted to frequent watering, piles of wet wood, mulch, dead leaves or stones.
2. Food: Earwigs are omnivorous. They feed on a wide variety of materials including plant debris, small insects, and decaying organic matter. For example, a garden rich in plants or a pile of compost can attract them. Inside the house, they may be attracted to food left uncovered.
3. Shelter: Earwigs prefer dark, sheltered areas. They often hide under stones, logs, flower pots or piles of leaves. In the home, they can hide in cracks and crevices, behind furniture, rugs or baseboards.
4. Climate Change: Earwigs are most active during periods of warm, humid weather. However, if outdoor conditions become too dry or cold, they may seek refuge inside their homes.

It is important to note that although earwigs can cause damage to plants or be a nuisance inside the home, they are generally harmless to humans.

It is important to note first that earwigs are generally harmless to humans. Although these insects have pincers on the back of their bodies, they are mainly used to defend themselves against predators or to capture their prey. It is rare that an earwig stings or bites a human being. If this happens, the bite is usually painless and harmless.

However, if you are bitten by an earwig, here are some steps to take:

1. Cleaning the wound: First, clean the bite area with mild soap and water to prevent infection.
2. Disinfection: Apply an antiseptic to the wound to prevent infection.
3. Monitoring: Monitor the bite area for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling or pain. If you notice these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
4. Pain relief: If the bite area is painful, applying a pain-relieving ointment or taking an over-the-counter medication may help relieve the pain.
5. Bandaging: If necessary, apply a clean bandage to protect the bite area.
6. Medical consultation: If the wound does not heal, if it seems infected or if you experience unusual symptoms, it is best to consult a health care professional.

Remember, the best way to prevent earwig bites is to minimize contact with these insects and take steps to avoid their presence in your home.

Earwigs are insects that prefer damp, dark and confined environments. Here are some places where they are usually found:

1. Under rocks and debris: Earwigs are often found under rocks, logs, dead leaves and other debris. They find humidity and are protected from predators.
2. In gardens: Earwigs like gardens, especially those with lots of plants and organic matter, such as dead leaves or compost. They are often found in compost piles and under flower pots.
3. In homes: When they enter homes, earwigs are usually found in damp, dark areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, basement or attic. They can also hide in cracks in walls and floors.
4. In wooden structures: Earwigs can sometimes be found in wooden structures, especially if the wood is damp or decaying.
5. In woodpiles: Woodpiles provide ideal shelter for earwigs because they are dark, moist and offer protection from predators.

It is important to note that earwigs are generally nocturnal, which means that they are most active at night. During the day, they hide in their shelters to avoid the sunlight.