Discovering an insect in your bed can be an unsettling experience. Of all the unwelcome critters, earwigs seem to cause particular distress. These odd-looking insects with the pinchers on their abdomens invoke an instinctual feeling of revulsion. But why do earwigs sneak into our beds in the first place? What are they looking for? And what should you do if you find one in your sleeping space? This article will explore the reasons behind earwigs in beds and provide recommendations for dealing with them humanely and effectively.
What are earwigs?
Earwigs are odd-looking insects that are distantly related to crickets and cockroaches. There are many different species found worldwide, but the common earwig (Forficula auricularia) is the type most likely to invade homes and end up in beds. These insects get their name from a myth that they crawl into people’s ears, though there is no evidence that they intentionally do this.
Some key facts about earwigs:
– They are characterized by a pair of cerci at the rear end that resemble pinchers or forceps. These are used for defense and mating.
– Adult earwigs are about 0.5-1 inch long and are reddish-brown in color. They have flattened, elongated bodies.
– They are omnivores who feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, and small insects. They may also be minor garden pests.
– Earwigs hide in dark, damp places during the day and come out at night to hunt for food.
– The female earwig is a maternal caretaker who watches over her eggs in a nest burrowed into soft soil.
Why are earwigs in my bed?
Earwigs are not intentionally getting into your bed. They prefer damp, dark places to hide during the day, and beds provide appealing harborage. There are a few reasons why earwigs may find their way into a bed:
– Seeking shelter – Earwigs like to hide in cracks, crevices, and small spaces during the day. They may crawl under mattresses or sheets and settle there.
– Drawn to humidity – Beds can provide a humid environment that earwigs are attracted to. Our bodies release moisture as we sleep.
– Accidental entry – If you sleep with windows open, earwigs may crawl or fall into the bed inadvertently.
– Hitchhiking – Earwigs can grab onto fabrics, bags, boxes, and other items stored under or around beds and get carried into them accidentally.
– Attracted to food debris – Any food crumbs or spills in a bed can draw earwigs seeking decaying matter to feed on.
Overall, earwigs do not intend to share our beds with us. They are primarily focused on finding suitable places to hide and forage. Beds often meet an earwig’s needs for shelter, moisture, and occasional food sources.
How do earwigs get into my home?
Before earwigs make it into your bed, they first have to enter your home. This nocturnal insect is quite skilled at sneaking into houses. Here are some of the main ways earwigs find their way indoors:
– Through cracks – Earwigs are expert at squeezing themselves into tiny crevices and cracks. Any gaps along windows, door frames, foundations, or siding provide entry points.
– Under doors – They can easily slip beneath doors, fitting into amazingly small spaces at the threshold.
– Through pipes – Earwigs may crawl upward through drain pipes and plumbing openings.
– On plants – If you bring outdoor plants, flowers, firewood, or mulch inside, earwigs may hitch a ride on these items.
– Open windows – Ill-fitting screens or windows left ajar at night allow earwigs to crawl or fall inside.
– Riding on objects – Earwigs cling easily to objects like bags, boxes, furniture, clothes, and more that are brought indoors.
– Attracted to lights – Outdoor lights by doors or windows can draw earwigs close to entry points.
The key is that earwigs are great at exploiting and squeezing through the smallest cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior. Sealing these up is important.
How to prevent earwigs from entering your home
To keep earwigs from infiltrating your home and making their way into your bed, try these prevention tips:
– Seal cracks and crevices – Caulk and seal any openings along the foundation, walls, windows, doors, pipes, vents, etc.
– Use door sweeps – Install door sweeps or thresholds under exterior doors to close gaps.
– Repair screens – Patch any holes or gaps in window and door screens.
– Replace weather stripping – Make sure weather stripping around doors and windows is intact.
– Remove hiding spots – Get rid of wood piles, mulch, and other moist debris near your home’s exterior.
– Install lighting carefully – Use yellow bulbs for outdoor lights by doors and only keep lights on when needed.
– Check plants and firewood – Inspect these items closely for earwigs before bringing them indoors.
– Close windows at night – Shut windows completely in the evenings to avoid stray earwigs.
– Keep home dry – Eliminate moist conditions from leaks, condensation, etc. that attract earwigs.
What should I do if I find an earwig in my bed?
Discovering an earwig in your bed or sheets can certainly be unsettling. Stay calm and carefully handle the situation. Here are some tips if you encounter an earwig in your sleeping area:
– Remove bedding – Strip the bedding off so no earwigs get missed. Check under fitted sheets, mattress covers, pillows, etc.
– Inspect mattress and box spring – Look in crevices and along seams. Flip mattress over to check underside.
– Catch earwigs – Wear gloves and use forceps, tweezers, or a vacuum nozzle to catch earwigs and remove them. Place them outside.
– Wash all bedding – Machine wash and dry sheets, blankets, pillowcases, mattress covers on high heat to kill any remaining earwigs.
– Vacuum thoroughly – Use crevice tool to vacuum mattress seams, tufts, bed frame, baseboards, and surrounding floor.
– Seal crevices – Fill any cracks or crevices in bed frame with caulk. Tape over mattress tufts if needed.
– Place bed legs in moats – Position bed legs in shallow dishes or moats filled with a few inches of oil or soapy water.
– Install interceptors – Trap earwigs around bed posts using sticky traps or interceptors like cup moats.
– Monitor for more earwigs – Check bed carefully over the next few days and remove any stragglers.
Addressing the bed earwig issue promptly can provide peace of mind and prevent more earwigs from inhabiting your bed. Be thorough in your inspection and elimination.
How do I get rid of earwigs in my home?
If you have an earwig problem in your home, a more comprehensive approach will be needed beyond just the bed treatment. Here are some effective ways to rid your home of earwigs:
Apply insecticide dust
Applying a fine layer of insecticide dust containing silica gel or diatomaceous earth in cracks, crevices, seams, and voids around the home can dry out and kill earwigs. Be sure to follow label directions carefully.
Use sticky traps
Sticky traps or glue boards can capture wandering earwigs at night. Place them along walls, under appliances, and in moist areas earwigs frequent. Check traps daily and dispose of trapped earwigs.
Keep spaces clean and dry
Earwigs seek out damp places with debris. Keep things tidy and moisture-free indoors to discourage their presence. Fix any water leaks and eliminate condensation.
Seal cracks and crevices
Caulk and seal any openings that could allow earwigs inside. Pay special attention to windows, doors, utility pipes, vents, and along the foundation.
Alter lighting
Outdoor lights near doors attract earwigs. Switch to yellow bulbs or keep lights off at night unless needed. Manage indoor lights around potential entry points too.
Work outdoors
Also treat exterior hiding spots like woodpiles, stones, ivy, and mulch beds with insecticide dust. Create a barrier outside to keep earwigs from getting in.
Use pest control if needed
For serious infestations, consult a pest management professional. They have commercial grade insecticides and can apply perimeter treatments around your home’s foundation.
With diligence and persistence, you can send the message to earwigs that your home and bed are not open for habitation.
Are earwigs dangerous?
While startling, earwigs are not generally considered dangerous or an serious health threat. Here are some key points about earwig risks:
– They do not spread diseases hazardous to humans.
– They do not infest food or transmit foodborne illnesses. Discard any food an earwig contaminated just to be safe.
– Earwigs can give a nasty pinch with their cerci if handled, but are otherwise not venomous or poisonous. The pincers are used mainly for mating rituals and defense.
– They are not parasitic and do not live on people or animals. They do not bite humans.
– Earwigs pose little physical danger, but their presence can create anxiety for those who fear insects. The surprise of finding one can certainly be disturbing as well.
So while not medically significant, discoveries of earwigs in the home or bed are understandably upsetting. Take measures to evict them, but rest assured they do not present any toxic danger. Their pinch is their main means of defense if provoked.
Treating bites/pinches
The occasional person may receive a pinch from handling an earwig. Though painful, the wound is not serious:
– Wash the bite area with soap and water. Use an antiseptic if desired.
– Apply an ice pack to relieve pain and swelling.
– Use an anti-itch cream or hydrocortisone if itching persists. Oral antihistamines can also help with itching.
– Monitor for signs of infection like spreading redness, increased pain, warmth, or pus. Seek medical care promptly if you observe an infection developing.
– Most earwig pinches resolve quickly on their own with basic first aid cleaning and care.
How do I get rid of earwigs in my yard?
To help curb earwigs from entering your home from outside areas, implementing control measures in your yard is wise:
Keep yard tidy
Earwigs are attracted to damp, debris-filled areas outdoors. Keep your landscape free of piles of wood, stones, compost, thick ground cover, and overgrown plants.
Eliminate moisture
Fix leaky spigots, pipes, or sprinklers. Improve drainage in soggy sections. Move woodpiles away from foundations. Reduce moisture overall.
Apply insecticides
Use pesticide sprays or dusts labeled for earwig control along fencelines, around foundations, and in landscaped beds. Reapply after heavy rains. Hire a professional for large properties.
Use barrier sprays
Insecticide perimeter barrier sprays around foundations can help fortify vulnerable entry points and kill earwigs on contact. Reapply monthly.
Install lights carefully
Illuminate areas far from entry points. Use yellow bulbs for necessary outdoor lights near doors or windows. Keep lights off when not needed.
Mulch wisely
Avoid wood-based mulches which can harbor earwigs. Use inorganic options like pea gravel or crushed stone. Maintain mulch layers thinly.
Check potted plants
Inspect any potted plants thoroughly for earwigs before bringing them indoors. Repot if needed.
With diligence outdoors, you can send earwigs the message that they are not welcome inside your home or bed either. Maintaining a clean, dry landscape and using targeted insecticides helps deter earwigs. Consult a pest professional for most effective treatments for serious infestations impacting your yard. By implementing preventative measures both inside and outdoors, you can hopefully keep unwelcome earwigs from sharing your sleeping quarters.
Conclusion
While startling, earwigs in your bed are generally just a nuisance issue and not a serious health threat. They seek out the small, damp, sheltered spaces a bed often provides. Through cracks and crevices, they can slip into your home and ultimately your sheets. While not medically harmful, earwigs can pinch if provoked. Take steps to make your home and bed less appealing to earwigs by keeping it clean and dry. Seal cracks, install door sweeps, and repair screens. Catch and remove any earwigs in your bed promptly. Strip and launder all bedding and vacuum thoroughly. Monitor in the coming days for more earwigs. Implement diligent indoor and outdoor control measures to eliminate moist habitats and entry points earwigs exploit. Mos
