Dread no more: Easy tricks to keep earwigs out of your home

The common earwig belongs to the family of earwigs. It is distinguished by a flat, elongated abdomen in shades of brown or brown-amber. It ranges from 0.35 to 0.79 inches in length. On the insect's abdomen, a pair of thick pincers assist it in hunting.

Earwigs inhabit humid and marshy areas. They can be found in forests, wetlands, and any place that is dark and damp. They usually hide in crevices of moist soil, under tree bark, or dried leaves. They are increasingly appearing in our homes, especially during the fall when it starts getting cold. They tend to occupy kitchens and bathrooms where humidity levels are high. During the day, they hide in nooks and crannies, and at night they roam the room in search of food.

In the past, children were often frightened by tales about earwigs. It was said that these insects had a fondness for human ears, and if they managed to get in, they might pierce the eardrum. There were also stories about earwigs burrowing through the ear straight to the brain. But let's clarify once and for all: these are myths.

Despite this, these insects should not be feared because they are completely harmless to humans. They may pinch if handled roughly or provoked in any way.

Nevertheless, no one wants them roaming around the house. To get rid of earwigs, it's worth using lemon and vinegar, which irritate insects. These ingredients can be added to cleaning products, diluted with water, and sprayed strategically. Lemon peel placed on windowsills will also work.

Another option is to place special sticky traps near windows and doors. It is important to remember that earwigs are not aggressive and only attack when they feel threatened. Therefore, driving them away from the house should not pose a significant challenge.

It is also worth noting that earwigs play a beneficial role in the ecosystem. They are natural enemies of silverfish and other small insects. They hunt aphids, fly larvae, and young caterpillars.