Earwigs in Phoenix, AZ
Forficula auricularia
Earwigs look intimidating with their pincers but are mostly a nuisance pest. Learn how to keep them out of your West Valley home.
Notes: From a Phoenix, AZ Exterminator
Appearance
Earwigs are reddish-brown, about 3/4 inch long, with distinctive pincers (cerci) at the rear of the abdomen used for defense and courtship, not for stinging people.
Harborage
They favor damp, dark areas — mulch beds, under potted plants, cracks in patios, and door thresholds — and are most active at night.
Are They Dangerous?
Despite the intimidating pincers, earwigs rarely bite or pinch humans and pose no significant health risk. They can, however, damage seedlings and soft garden plants.
Treatment
Reducing excess moisture and mulch against the foundation, paired with perimeter treatment, keeps populations down. Antidote Pest Solutions treats entry points to stop earwigs before they get inside. Talk to one of Antidote Pest's Service Pro's today!
Prevention Tips
Reduce moisture around the foundation, including irrigation overspray and drainage issues; Remove mulch, leaf litter, and dense ground cover next to the house; Seal cracks around doors, windows, and utility penetrations; Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum or switch to yellow bulbs; Fix leaky hose bibs and AC condensation lines
Behavioral Notes
The pincers (cerci) on an earwig's abdomen are used for defense and to help fold their wings, and males have noticeably more curved pincers than females.
Despite their fearsome appearance, earwigs rarely bite people, and the old myth that they crawl into ears to lay eggs is false.
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Frequently asked questions
