|
EARWIGS
Order Dermaptera
Color: Dark
brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Long, narrow
Size: 1
Antennae: Yes
Flight: No
Earwigs got their
name from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people's ears and
tunnel into their brains. The long cerci, or clippers, on their
backsides easily identify an earwig.
Habits
Earwigs hide during the day and feeds on leaves, flowers,
fruits, mold and insects at night.
Habitat
These insects live together outdoors in large numbers. They can
be found under piles of lawn debris, mulch or in tree holes. They
gain entry to a structure through exterior cracks.
Threats
Contrary to folklore, earwigs do not crawl into ears and eat
peoples' brains at night. They do not spread diseases, but their
menacing appearance can be alarming to a homeowner. Earwigs can be
found in all 50 states.
Prevention
Remove harborage sites such as leaf piles, mulch piles or other
vegetation. Seal cracks and crevices well to
prevent structural
entry.
|
