Earwig in the EAR!

[dewey]

I did sleep with cotton stuffed in my ears the other night! Just as I was about to get ready for bed I saw one of those critters. So I started runnin' around the house knocking on bedroom doors to hand out cotton balls.

An article that I read said a trap can be made out of a small box that's set outside. The box is to have holes poked in it all around the bottom...holes poked through with a pencil, because that's the size they prefer to crawl into...which is just about the size of an EAR opening.

 

[daddykirbs]

I did sleep with cotton stuffed in my ears the other night! Just as I was about to get ready for bed I saw one of those critters. So I started runnin' around the house knocking on bedroom doors to hand out cotton balls.

An article that I read said a trap can be made out of a small box that's set outside. The box is to have holes poked in it all around the bottom...holes poked through with a pencil, because that's the size they prefer to crawl into...which is just about the size of an EAR opening.

I'm gonna have to look the trap up. I'm curious what "traps" them??

 

[Frosty]

From what I understand, they look for a dark place to sleep. Paper towel tubes are supposed to work, too. My mother had them infesting her house, she sprinkled DE around the perimeter and under rugs and planters. Then she didn't have any more problems. I think they sleep at night, so maybe keep chickens in the house? Or Guineas?

If earwigs go in your ears, where do cockroaches go??

fuzziebutt, you need to come clean up the soda I just spewed all over my computer!

 

[dewey]

I'm gonna have to look the trap up. I'm curious what "traps" them??

Haha, that's a good question. I read of some people using vegetable oil in tuna cans to bait them. I think this is the article with the box traps:

http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/earwig.html

Earwigs can be trapped outdoors in cardboard boxes baited with oatmeal or bran with pencil hole size entry sites punched in the sides near the bottom. Place burlap bags, canvass, boards, newspapers or other cover material in mulch, shrubbery and similar habitats to collect individuals the following day.

For best control indoors, one must first control earwigs outdoors. Since they are attracted to lights, reduce lighting around doors, windows and other potential entry sites.

After entering houses, they feed on sweet, oily or greasy foods or houseplants. They are attracted to lights.

Earwigs need and are very attracted to moisture. High populations, practically invisible during the day, may be present around foundations, in landscaped yards, in mulch, under boards, etc. Be sure to eliminate damp, moist conditions in crawl spaces under houses, around faucets, around air-conditioning units and along house foundations.

Earwigs can be responsible for serious feeding damage on flowers, vegetables, fruits and other plants, giving the leaves a ragged appearance with numerous, small, irregular holes.

 

[Moochie]

Are earwigs good snacks for chickens?

Getting one in the ear though is gross. I always get afraid that if there's one icky bug there has to be more somewhere in the house laying eggs and populating.

 

[MaineGigi]

~Cathy

 

[redhen]

Are earwigs good snacks for chickens?

Getting one in the ear though is gross. I always get afraid that if there's one icky bug there has to be more somewhere in the house laying eggs and populating.

No,. they arent good to eat after they've been in your ear...

 

[redhen]

 I did sleep with cotton stuffed in my ears the other night!  Just as I was about to get ready for bed I saw one of those critters.  So I started runnin' around the house knocking on bedroom doors to hand out cotton balls.  

An article that I read said a trap can be made out of a small box that's set outside. The box is to have holes poked in it all around the bottom...holes poked through with a pencil, because that's the size they prefer to crawl into...which is just about the size of an EAR opening.

Gah! Dont tell me that!

 

[redhen]

I DESPISE earwigs. 


Irrational?   Yes. 

No i agree,.. dont they also PINCH you? I think we call them pincher bugs up here...

 

[shadow rabbit10]

My chickens love to eat earwigs! They actually had a huge fight over one once.