Earwig EXTERMINATION at
It’s Best!
Earwigs are one of the most disliked insects. The European earwig is the most common species. It can be found outside and inside the home. They enter a house with the help of a host – on humans, clothing, vegetables, newspapers, etc. Earwigs are reddish-brown, approximately 4/5 of an inch (2 cm) long with antennae and a noticeable set of pincers which protrude from the abdomen. The pincers of the male are curved whereas those of the female are straight. The female uses her pincers to protect herself and eggs from other insects, but they cannot harm humans.
Earwigs have wings but they are rarely used to fly. Earwigs wait for darkness to begin their search for food and shelter. They enjoy dark, moist areas and feed on decaying plant and animal matter. They also cause slug-like damage to leaves, petals, fruit and vegetables. One way to determine if a slug or earwig is the cause of damage is to look for a slimy substance which slugs leave behind. Earwigs also damage vegetables by entering and enlarging existing holes.
Earwigs can be beneficial in the garden if they can be prevented from damaging vegetables and flowers, and entering the household. It is important to avoid killing earwigs because they are predators of some small insect pests such as aphids.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the earwig consists of egg, nymph and adult. In early spring, after overwintering in soil, the female earwig lays up to 60 eggs in the top section of soil. In about seven days, the eggs hatch and nymphs emerge. The female tends to the eggs and nymphs for the first two weeks. The nymphs are similar to adults, only smaller. Over a 70 day period, the nymphs pass through four growth stages before becoming an adult. Egg laying can take place twice per year (spring and summer).
Adult earwigs will be most noticeable in July, August and September. Earwigs live for approximately one year, but most often the males die during the winter months.
Male Earwig.
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A Female Earwig.
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Earwig Extermination Technique and its Advantages:
We utilize the most effective insecticide Spray treatments available from industry leading pesticides manufactures. These pesticide are highly effective and contain most powerful active ingredients. We employ the Spray method to Control, and Exterminate the Earwig infestations.
Some of the Characteristics of the Spray method are:
- It is the best option when there is no Bait available for a given Pest. A targeted application of Control Agents in selected areas of the structure is undertaken. In cases of high infestations, spraying upon the pests produces a spectacular knock down.
- Areas that are targeted are the nesting and foraging activities areas of the Pest.
- Earwig are affected by the insecticide active agent when they come into contact with the treated surfaces.
- Earwig would be exterminated by getting the Active Ingredient into it’s biological system via contact. An affected pest may also prove to be a source of secondary poisoning for other members.
- The Insecticide Spray method results in gradual, almost fool-proof and guaranteed removal of these pests.
Client’s Preparations for Insecticides Application:
- Client is required to prepare areas to be treated with insecticide spray application.
- Client is required to leave the property during the application and stay out for further 2 hours after the application.
Our exterminators will inspect the structure for points of vulnerabilities that may facilitate future infestations or conditions that may be helping the Earwig to flourish. It will be up to the property owner to act on the recommendations.
Specific Notes on Spray or Fog Application:
Spray may be Water-Based or of the Emulsion type. Even though it would not stain or damage surfaces, it may be noticeable as a thin film of light color. The film may also have oily characteristics. If it is found on any surfaces that are used by people or pets, then it should be cleaned away at the earliest. For further information, please, see our Pesticides and the MSDS page.
Expected Results and Outcome of the Treatment:
In about 3-5 weeks, all Earwig would have been eliminated having directly or indirectly been exposed to the insecticide sprayed. Gradually Earwig would simply cease to exist. It remains possible that some Earwig may expire near human living spaces.
At Quest Pest Management Inc., we have the highest success rate of complete elimination of Earwig with one treatment alone.
Prior to carrying out treatment for Earwig, we will do an inspection or survey of the property to determine the extent and scope of the infestation. In doing so, we will also obtain information from people present on site.
