Order Dermaptera - Earwigs

See Control Products 

Characteristics -

Size: About one inch long.

Color: Dark brown.

This insect can be recognized by the forceps-like cerci extending from the rear of its abdomen. On males, the forceps can be quite large and ornate.

Behavior – Earwigs are omnivores that will catch and eat other insects. Long-term relief from these insects is achieved by finding and treating the harborages outside from which the home will be invaded. The experience of a professional company such as Raifsnider Exterminating Inc is helpful in situations where large numbers of earwigs are present.

Habitat – The European earwig is common in the eastern United States west to Illinois and is found in Oregon and Washington. These insects live together often in large numbers in tree holes, in landscape mulch, under landscape timbers, and under objects lying on the ground. They will also harbor in the exterior cracks of buildings from which they may wander inside.

Earwigs eat a number of things, including plant matter (especially the leaves of new shoots), flowers, grains, fungi, and other insects. In fact, as long as you don't have large numbers of earwigs, they can be beneficial in that they enjoy eating garden pests like aphids, mites, and scales. However, since earwigs produce and exude an aggregation pheromone, it's pretty common to get stuck dealing with a large earwig infestation. Luckily, earwigs in the house don't really do any damage. They're just unpleasant looking, which in and of itself is a pretty good reason for wanting to get rid of them.