Wayland Residents’ Guide To Identifying And Controlling Pincer Bugs: Effective Home Treatments

Pest Control Near Me

Living in Wayland, Massachusetts, you may come across pincer bugs, also known as earwigs, lurking around your household. Pincer bugs are easily identified thanks to their pincer-like structures at the end of their abdomen. Although their appearance can be intimidating, earwigs do not cause much damage to human health and their presence should not be taken lightly.

This guide is designed to teach you how to identify these pests and help you make an informed decision regarding the best treatment plans for them. We’ll provide you with an overview of the different types of pincer bugs, present some of the common signs that indicate an infestation, and provide you with some effective solutions for home treatment.

Overview of Pincer Bugs

The scientific name for pincer bugs is Forficula auricularia, and they belong to the family Forficulidae, a family of over 2,000 various species of insects. Apart from their pincers, they can be identified by their reddish-brown color, long antennae, and their six-legged body. Earwigs are a nocturnal species, so they remain relatively inactive during the day.

Adult pincer bugs typically grow up to 1 inch in length and have been known to have wings, although they rarely use them. Earwigs feed on a wide range of plants and insects and prefer a dark, damp environment for hiding and sheltering. Some may even consume the food scraps around human households or in the garden. They tend to gather and congregate in large numbers, so an infestation can quickly become a real concern.

Common Signs of an Infestation

Fortunately, earwigs are relatively easy to identify and recognize in the presence of an infestation. One of the most noticeable identifiers is a distinctive odor, which is similar to a musty sweet fragrance. When you enter an area with a large infestation of pincer bugs, the smell may be quite strong. You may also notice a number of dark-brown or black spots on the walls and furniture, as well as earwigs moving around in an active manner.

Home Treatment Solutions

Unfortunately, earwigs are rather difficult to get rid of, and you should consider professional assistance immediately upon finding an infestation. Trained experts will know exactly how to treat this issue and have access to the best products and tools that help with eliminating them effectively. However, if you’d like to take matters into your own hands and try to get rid of the infestation yourself, you can do so with the following home remedies.

One method is to combine equal parts of sugar and boric acid and sprinkle this mixture in the areas where earwigs are congregating. The combination of sugar and acid attracts them, and the boric acid destroys their exoskeleton. In addition, you may want to use petroleum jelly to trap them, as this strategy prevents earwigs from grabbing onto surfaces and escaping. If you choose this option, you’ll need to seal the holes or cracks the earwigs are using to enter your home in order to fully contain them.

Another method is to make your own trap using a plastic container and some wet coffee grounds. Fill the container with damp coffee grounds and place it near the suspected hideout. The coffee grounds attract and the moisture traps the pincer bugs. However, you should make sure to check the traps every few hours as pincer bugs may become trapped in the container and die.

Finally, you may want to try natural remedies such as diatomaceous earth or neem oil, both of which are known to help with controlling pincer bugs. Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating the bugs as the powder is very absorbent. Neem oil, meanwhile, affects the nervous system of earwigs and thereby repels and kills them.

Conclusion

Pincer bugs are a nuisance pest, but with a little knowledge and the right information, you can take control of your pest problem. If you notice any signs of an earwig infestation, don’t hesitate to contact a trained professional for assistance. Professional technicians can quickly identify the most effective course of treatment for your home or business premise and help you rid your property of these pesky pests in little time. With the right support, you can get your home back to a safe and healthy environment.

Pest Control Near Me

Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues including termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and more! Long-term protection is right at your reach with the help of our highly trained team of exterminators in the Greater Boston area. Don’t allow pests to take over your home, put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home. With our help, you won’t have to spend any more free time implementing DIY extermination methods!

Sign Up for a Pest Program