Earwigs In Florida Kitchens And Bathrooms: What To Know
Finding earwigs in your kitchen or bathroom can be unsettling. Their long bodies and sharp pincers make them look scarier than they really are. These reddish-brown insects are commonly found in Florida homes, particularly where moisture and shelter are readily available.
Many people think earwigs crawl into people’s ears while they sleep, but that’s a myth. In reality, they prefer damp areas, such as under sinks, inside potted plants, or behind baseboards. If you live in a Florida home with warm weather and high humidity, earwigs can sneak inside through tiny entry points in search of food sources and hiding spots.
In this article, we’ll cover how to identify earwigs, why they show up in kitchens and bathrooms, and how pest control professionals can help you get rid of earwigs for good.
Key Takeaways
- Earwigs are common nuisance pests in Florida homes, particularly in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- They’re attracted to organic matter, leaf litter, mulch, and moisture from plumbing leaks.
- Sealing entry points with caulk and reducing humidity with a dehumidifier can help prevent an earwig infestation.
- Professional pest control provides safe and effective methods to keep your home pest-free throughout the year.
What Earwigs Look Like In Florida Homes
Earwigs in Florida belong to the order Dermaptera. They have flat, elongated bodies, two antennae, and a pair of forceps-like pincers called cerci at the end of their abdomen. These pincers help them defend themselves and capture small insects, such as aphids.
The most common type you’ll see in a Florida home is the ring-legged earwig. They’re typically reddish-brown with yellowish legs. While their appearance might seem alarming, earwigs don’t bite and rarely cause harm to people or pets.
If you see large numbers of earwigs crawling near your sink, drain, or potted plants, it’s likely because they’ve found damp hiding places nearby.
Why Earwigs Invade Kitchens And Bathrooms
Earwigs in Florida homes often move indoors when outdoor conditions become too dry or hot. Inside, damp areas and food sources, such as plant matter, crumbs, and decaying organic matter, attract earwigs. You’ll usually find earwigs in your bathrooms in Florida or kitchens, since these areas provide the perfect environment to hide in during the day.
Plumbing leaks, condensation, and wet rags create an ideal environment for these insects. Even clean homes can attract them if moisture levels are high. Their flat bodies let them slip into small crevices and cracks around baseboards, cabinets, and tile edges.
If your Florida kitchen has potted plants or mulch near the foundation, earwigs may enter through open doors, vents, or window gaps to seek out these moist hiding spots indoors.
Signs Of An Earwig Infestation
An earwig infestation can start small but grow quickly if conditions stay humid. You might spot them crawling along countertops, bathtubs, or floors at night since they’re nocturnal. You could also notice:
- Earwigs hide under rolled-up newspapers, damp towels, or rugs.
- Damage to seedlings or indoor plants where earwigs feed on soft leaves and roots.
- A musty smell or droppings in dark corners or under sinks.
Because they’re active at night, daytime sightings often indicate that large numbers are living behind walls or under flooring.
How To Get Rid Of Earwigs
To get rid of earwigs in your Florida home, start by reducing moisture and removing their hiding places. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas and promptly address plumbing leaks. Clean up any spilled food or crumbs that may attract them.
Many homeowners have discovered that diatomaceous earth works for pest control, including earwigs. To use it, simply spread it around baseboards, under appliances, and near doorways. This natural powder can help dry out and kill earwigs without harming pets or people. You can also try repellents made from essential oils or boric acid, but use them carefully to avoid overexposure. Boric acid can also be used for roach control.
For long-term results, it’s best to call a professional pest control service. Experts can identify entry points, utilize safe treatments, and recommend prevention steps tailored to your Florida home.
Why Fall Weather Draws Earwigs Indoors
During Florida’s fall season, earwigs become more active as cooler nights and increased rainfall create the perfect mix of moisture and warmth. When outdoor soil stays damp and temperatures drop, these pests move closer to houses in search of shelter. They often crawl through minor entry points, such as door gaps, vents, and foundation cracks, to reach kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Homes with plumbing leaks or high humidity are especially inviting. Earwigs are also attracted to decaying plant matter, mulch, and other organic debris that accumulate during the fall. Once indoors, they settle in dark, damp areas where they can remain protected throughout the seasonal changes.
Reducing moisture, sealing crevices with caulk, and running a dehumidifier are the most effective ways to keep earwigs out when fall weather encourages them to move indoors in Florida homes.
Preventing Earwigs From Coming Back
Prevention is key to keeping your home pest-free. Start by sealing entry points around doors, windows, and foundation cracks with caulk. Move mulch, leaf litter, and other organic matter at least a foot away from your home’s foundation.
Keep potted plants on stands instead of directly on soil or damp patios. Ventilate basements and attics to prevent condensation. These steps make your home less inviting to earwigs and other bugs in Florida, such as silverfish and termites.
A combination of exclusion and regular pest management visits can stop new infestations before they start.
When To Call A Professional Pest Control Company
Sometimes, earwigs become more than a minor nuisance. If you notice earwigs returning even after cleaning and sealing, consider hiring a professional pest control company for assistance.
Native Pest Management offers pet-friendly pest control services specifically designed for homes in South Florida. Our team uses targeted treatments and preventive measures to protect kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. Whether the problem involves earwigs, termites, or other nuisance pests, our professional pest control team can provide lasting results.
Making The Right Pest Control Choice For Your Florida Home
Earwigs are part of life in Florida’s warm, humid climate, but they don’t have to share your living space. By understanding what attracts them, sealing entry points, and maintaining dry and clean rooms, you can effectively keep these pests under control.
When prevention isn’t enough, Native Pest Management provides trusted pest control solutions backed by local expertise. With our environmentally friendly treatments and proven exclusion methods, your home can stay comfortable and pest-free.
Contact us for a free quote and inspection by calling or visiting our website. We’ll help you get rid of earwigs and keep your Florida home protected all year.
FAQs
Do earwigs really crawl into people’s ears?
No. Despite their name, earwigs don’t crawl into people’s ears. They prefer dark, damp hiding places, such as under sinks or inside walls.
What attracts earwigs to Florida homes?
Moisture, mulch, and decaying plant matter attract earwigs to Florida homes. Plumbing leaks and high humidity make kitchens and bathrooms prime locations for mold growth.
How can I prevent another earwig infestation?
Seal cracks with caulk, use a dehumidifier to reduce damp areas, and keep organic matter like leaf litter away from your home’s foundation.