An earwig problem often starts quietly. It could be a few earwigs wandering indoors, a strange smell, or even unexplained plant damage. Knowing the signs of an earwig infestation early makes it much easier to control earwigs before they become a larger issue in your home or garden.
Earwigs, sometimes called pincher bugs or ear wigglers, are small brown insects with prominent pincers at the end of their bodies. Canada is home to several earwig species, most of which feed on decaying plant material, small insects like aphids, and other bugs.
Despite old myths, earwigs don’t crawl into human ears. They aren’t considered a significant health risk, though they can pinch human skin if they feel threatened. Earwigs bite rarely, and when they do, it’s usually harmless.
Seeing a few earwigs outside isn’t unusual. However, the problems start when you notice many earwigs, recurring sightings, or damage indoors and out. These are the most common telltale signs:
Earwigs release a foul odour when crushed or disturbed. If you notice a musty or unpleasant smell near baseboards, storage areas, or damp rooms, it may point to more earwigs hiding nearby, along with dead insects or dead bugs left behind.
Earwigs eat plant matter, fallen leaves, and small insects, making them a common garden pest. You may see damage to healthy plants, flower beds, vegetable gardens, or potted plants. Indoors, they may wander toward pantry items, fruit bowls, or pet food as they search for food sources.
Earwigs tolerate dry conditions poorly and prefer moisture. That’s why they’re often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms near leaky pipes, leaky faucets, or floor drains. Slime trails, clusters of bugs, or sightings near sinks and tubs are clear signs of an earwig problem.
Earwigs are nocturnal and spend the day in hiding places like cracks in foundations, damp areas, piles of grass clippings, leaf litter, flower pots, and stacks of cardboard. Outdoors, they hide under fallen leaves, mulch, and garden beds. Indoors, basements and crawl spaces are common trouble spots.
DIY methods can help reduce small numbers. Removing decaying plants, cleaning up plant debris, fixing moisture issues, and removing piles of leaves or wood can limit hiding spots. Some homeowners try using soapy water in a spray bottle to kill visible bugs.
That said, DIY methods rarely solve a full earwig infestation. If many earwigs keep appearing, professional earwig control is often the most effective way to get rid of earwigs and prevent them from returning. Pest control treatments also help rule out other pests like spiders, bed bugs, or insects that earwigs feed on.
If earwigs are taking over your home or garden, Gilles Lambert Pest Control can help. Our experienced technicians know how to identify infestations, locate hiding spots, and apply targeted treatments that work. For a reliable earwig exterminator in Winnipeg, contact us today and restore comfort and safety to your home.
