There’s something about spotting a long-bodied insect with pincers crawling across the bathroom floor at night that makes your skin crawl. These peculiar-looking critters, often mistaken for something far more threatening, are known as earwigs. Though they’re typically small in size, their presence inside your home or business can lead to big concerns. Most people don’t know what to make of them—are they dangerous? Do they bite? Are they damaging something behind the scenes?
While earwigs aren’t known for causing extensive structural damage like termites or rodents, their tendency to gather in damp, hidden areas can still create serious problems. When they show up in large numbers, they can spread through basements, crawlspaces, laundry rooms, and other moist environments, often entering through small cracks or openings you didn’t even know existed. And because they’re nocturnal, you might not realize just how many are hiding out until they start disrupting your comfort—or worse, your business operations.
Earwig infestations can be especially frustrating because these insects are drawn to decaying organic material, wet wood, and mulch. That means both homes and commercial properties in places like Jackson Hole, with its mountainous climate and frequent moisture, offer the exact kind of environment they thrive in. If you’re seeing signs of them indoors or outdoors, chances are there’s a deeper issue worth investigating.
Uninvited, Resilient Guests
One of the biggest challenges with earwigs isn’t that they pose a direct threat to humans—they’re not aggressive, and those intimidating-looking pincers are mostly used for defense or hunting smaller bugs. The problem is their persistence. Once they’ve found a place they like, they tend to stick around, reproduce, and exploit the dampest corners of your property. Even minor leaks or moisture from poor drainage can encourage them to settle in.
Outdoors, they feed on decomposing plant matter and other insects, but when the weather cools or dry conditions set in, they’ll make their way inside in search of shelter and moisture. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas become hotspots. And because they’re so good at hiding during the day, you might only notice a few here and there—until suddenly it feels like they’re everywhere.
Getting rid of them isn’t as simple as spraying a corner or putting down a trap. They’re nimble, good at slipping through tight spaces, and tend to reproduce quickly when conditions are right. That’s why identifying the source of the issue—and figuring out why your property has become attractive to them—is just as important as removing the ones you can see.
Pest Control That Goes Beyond What You See
A one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it when it comes to dealing with these insects. Earwig problems are often tied to larger environmental issues that need to be addressed in order to fully solve the problem. That’s where professional insight becomes key. A trained specialist knows how to trace their pathways, find hidden entry points, and recognize the signs of a nesting area you’d likely overlook.
Treatment strategies typically involve a combination of inspection, moisture management, and targeted applications. It’s not just about getting them out—it’s about keeping them out. This often means adjusting landscaping features, fixing grading issues near the foundation, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and controlling the interior humidity levels that attract them in the first place.
In regions like Jackson Hole, where weather conditions change rapidly and buildings are often surrounded by nature, it’s even more crucial to apply a localized, thoughtful approach. Each situation is a little different, and a proper assessment helps ensure your solution isn’t just temporary.
Why Earwigs Can't Be Ignored
Some folks might brush off the presence of a few crawling insects here and there, thinking it’s just a minor nuisance. But earwigs can quickly multiply and spread, particularly if outdoor conditions are forcing them to look for indoor shelter. If you’re running a business, their presence can negatively impact customer perceptions or even violate health and sanitation standards depending on your industry. At home, they can find their way into bedding, clothing, and food storage areas, making your space feel uncomfortable and unsettling.
What makes them particularly tricky is their adaptability. They’re not just looking for one type of shelter—they’re opportunistic. That means even if you eliminate one nesting area, they’ll often find another unless the underlying environmental factors are corrected. A professional team can spot patterns you might miss, reduce attractants, and follow through with detailed preventative care to ensure you don’t end up right back where you started.
If you’ve started seeing signs of earwigs in your home or business, or if you’re not quite sure what’s lurking in the damp corners of your property, don’t wait for the problem to grow. At RM Wildlife And Pest Solutions, we specialize in identifying and resolving pest issues at the source. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about how we can help protect your space. Whether it’s your residence or your commercial property, we’re here to make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and pest-free.
Our team takes the time to understand the unique conditions of your structure and surrounding environment. We don’t believe in rushing through the process or using shortcuts that only offer temporary relief. Instead, we focus on long-term prevention by addressing the root of the issue. So if you’re tired of spotting insects around your baseboards or wondering what’s creeping through your crawlspace, let us take a closer look. You’ll get clear answers, effective solutions, and peace of mind knowing the problem is handled properly from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earwigs
Q1. Why do these creepy crawlies always seem to show up in bathrooms and kitchens?
A1. These insects are moisture lovers, and bathrooms and kitchens offer the perfect damp, dark hideouts they crave. Cracks in baseboards, leaky pipes, and damp towels can all attract them. Reducing humidity and sealing entry points can go a long way in making your home less appealing to them.
Q2. Can they really crawl into your ears while you sleep?
A2. While the myth is widespread and unsettling, it’s extremely rare and highly unlikely. These pests are more interested in hiding under mulch or leaves than invading your personal space. Their anatomy isn’t particularly suited for burrowing into ears, and they’re far more likely to scurry away from humans than toward them.
Q3. What's the most effective way to get rid of these nighttime invaders?
A3. Targeting their favorite hangouts—like damp soil, mulch, and decaying wood—is key. Removing excess moisture, trimming overgrown vegetation, and using well-placed traps or professional-grade treatments can break the infestation cycle. Consistent habitat management is often just as important as any product used.