What Are They?
Earwigs are dark brown insects and can be recognised by a large pair of pincers at the end of the body, which are used as a defence warning to predators. They are 14-23mm long, and although they have wings, they seldom fly.
Where Do They Live?
Outdoors, in cool, dark, damp cracks and crevices, coming out to look for food at night.
What Do They Eat?
Other insects and vegetable remains, although they sometimes damage living plants, they are generally beneficial in the garden.
What Can I Do To Get Rid of Them?
Earwigs are really a garden insect but often enter houses at night through badly fitting doors and windows or cracks in brickwork. Make sure that gaps and cracks are filled in and any climbing plants such as ivy are not grown close to the house.
An insecticide may be used around the outside of the house in cracks in the brickwork and around doors, windows and airbricks. Insecticides are available from garden centres and chemists. Choose one which says on the label that it is suitable for crawling insects including earwigs and has a residual life (remains active for a long period of time). Follow the instructions on the container carefully. There will be no need to use the insecticide indoors.
Remember pesticides can be poisonous to children and pets. After use store container and contents away from children, or dispose of empty containers safely.
