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Earwigs
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Common earwigs are usually found outside where they feed on dead
animals and live or dead plants.
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Where do earwigs come from?
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Are earwigs harmful? >>
Why do they come indoors?
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How can I get rid of them? >>
Telephone: (023) 9244 6670
Email: ehenvironment@havant.gov.uk
Visit: Civic Offices, Civic Centre Road,
Havant PO9 2AX
Where do they come from?
Earwigs mainly live outdoors where they can scavenge for food,
but tend to come indoors for protection during the colder months.
Earwigs are nocturnal creatures, hiding during the day in cracks
and crevices, under doors and windows.
Do earwigs do any harm?
In the garden earwigs have a reputation for damaging plants, and
most people do not realise that do some good as well by preying on
aphids, greenfly, etc. Indoors they are mainly a nuisance only,
collecting in humid places like bathrooms, sometimes feeding and
fouling on food.
How do earwigs get in the house?
Earwigs have wings, but only fly very reluctantly. They do not
crawl very far either. However, they are very adept at being
carried, often hiding in folded newspapers, cut flowers or even
luggage. Earwigs may be entering the house through the windows, so
if you have long grass close to the building or climbing plants on
the walls, cut these back.
How do I get rid of them?
Cutting back the vegetation close to doors and windows and then
treating the cleared areas with spray or dust insecticides,
especially during damp weather, will control earwigs' entry into
the house. Remember, for your own safety to follow manufacturers'
instructions when using insecticides.