The Definitive Guide To Evaluating And Understanding Pincer Bugs In North Andover, Massachusetts
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Pincer bugs, also known as earwigs, are a nuisance pest that can infest homes and business in North Andover, Massachusetts. Earwigs, scientific name Forficula auricularia, are insect pest species that are considered a nuisance because of their presence in and around homes. They are considered a harmful species because they can damage plants, feed on decaying organic matter and can even spread disease. This guide is designed to help home owners identify, evaluate, and understand this pest, the threats they pose, and potential solutions for getting rid of them.
What Are Pincer Bugs?
Pincer bugs are nocturnal insects that are usually found in moist areas around homes. Earwigs get their name from the pincer at the end of their red-brown abdomen, which they use to defend themselves. Some species, such as the European earwig, are also capable of using the pincers to help in finding food. Because of their pincers, earwigs are often mistaken for dangerous insects, however they are relatively harmless. These pests typically do not bite or sting, and rarely cause any structural damage to homes.
What Do Pincer Bugs Feed On?
Earwigs are omnivores, mostly feeding on decaying organic matter. Some species feed on plants, while others will feed on insects, snails, woodlice, and other animals. In some situations, earwigs can become a pest, feeding on the flowers, fruits, and vegetables of garden or agricultural plants.
Earwigs are typically most active at night, which is why it is not uncommon to see them coming out from under rocks, wood piles, or other moist areas to search for food.
How Can Homeowners Identify an Infestation?
The first step to properly identify an earwig infestation is to understand the signs. These pests do not have nests, so the easiest way to determine if there is an issue is to look around your property for black specks, which are their droppings.
The next step is to look for their distinctive pincers. Because earwigs are nocturnal, they are usually hiding during the day. So it is best to inspect the exterior of the home or barns during evening or early morning hours.
Lastly, if you are noticing an abnormal occurrence of small flying insects around your property, it could be an indication of an earwig infestation as the nymphs often hunt for other insects as food sources.
What Solutions Work Best For Getting Rid of Pincer Bugs?
Once an earwig infestation has been identified, the next step is to choose the most effective and safest solution.
The most common solution is to use liquid insecticides specifically designed to eliminate earwigs from properties. It is important to use an insecticide that is registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure it is safe for use on and around your property.
In some cases, physical removal of earwigs may be necessary. This is often done with traps that use wind as the trigger or you can simply pick them off by hand. It is important to note that physical removal of earwigs should only be done when necessary, as it can be time consuming and ineffective.
For long-term prevention and control, exclusion methods should also be used. These techniques involve sealing off any potential entry points of the earwigs into your property such as around doors, windows, and other openings in the home.
Conclusion
Identifying, evaluating, and understanding the threat that pincer bugs pose to your North Andover home is a crucial step when it comes to detecting and managing a potential earwig infestation. The best protection is to use a combination of insecticide and exclusion methods to eradicate the pests and prevent them from entering your property. If these steps are taken, it is possible to protect your home and eradicate any existing earwigs.
One of our pest management professionals will assess the extent of the issue and determine whether or not you need pest control services to get rid of troublesome pests. We have offices in Wrentham, MA, Framingham, MA, Peabody, MA, and Kingston, MA, but serve all of eastern Massachusetts. If we confirm that there are issues, we will recommend the treatments that will be most effective for your property.
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