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Overview of Earwigs in Utah

Earwigs in Utah are a common nuisance pest, particularly during hot, dry summers and the early fall months. Although they have a menacing appearance with their pincers (forceps), earwigs are not dangerous to humans or pets. However, large infestations can be alarming, and earwigs can damage plants, gardens, and sometimes invade homes in large numbers.

Professional pest control is key to effectively preventing and managing earwig problems in and around your home.

Similar pests, like boxelder bugs in Utah, also seek shelter indoors during seasonal changes.

How to Identify Earwigs in Utah

Earwigs are easy to recognize by their distinctive appearance:

  • About 1/2 to 1 inch long

  • Dark brown to black in color

  • Slender, elongated body

  • Prominent pincers (forceps) on their rear end

  • Short wings, although they rarely fly

Despite their intimidating look, earwigs are generally harmless to people, although they may pinch if handled.

Problems Caused by Earwigs in Utah

While earwigs in Utah are not directly harmful to people or structures, they can still cause several issues:

  • Large infestations indoors create stress and unpleasant living conditions

  • Feeding damage on plants, flowers, and vegetables

  • Unsightly presence around sinks, bathtubs, and damp areas

  • Foul-smelling secretions as a defense mechanism

Earwigs are mostly a nuisance pest, but their numbers can build up quickly if not addressed.

Earwigs in Utah
Earwigs in Utah

Where You’ll Find Earwigs in Utah Homes

Earwigs prefer dark, damp environments. Around Utah homes, you’ll typically find them:

  • Under mulch, leaves, and landscaping debris

  • In flower beds and garden areas

  • Beneath rocks, boards, and woodpiles

  • Inside basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms

  • Around leaky faucets, drains, and plumbing

They often migrate indoors when outdoor conditions become too hot and dry or when heavy rains flood their hiding spots.

Life Cycle of Earwigs

The earwig life cycle includes three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult:

  • Female earwigs lay eggs in moist soil during late winter or early spring.

  • Nymphs hatch and go through several molts before reaching adulthood.

  • Adults can live for up to a year and continue to breed under favorable conditions.

In Utah’s dry climate, earwigs seek moisture, making homes with irrigation systems, lush landscaping, or water leaks especially attractive.

Earwigs in Utah

Why Earwigs Are a Problem in Utah

Utah’s arid conditions, combined with irrigation and landscaping around homes, create perfect environments for earwigs in Utah to thrive.

  • During extreme summer heat or after heavy rainfall, earwigs are driven indoors in search of moisture and shelter.

  • Because they can enter through tiny cracks and gaps, even well-maintained homes can experience sudden earwig invasions.

Large numbers can quickly overwhelm living spaces, creating uncomfortable conditions for homeowners.

Other moisture-loving pests, like ants in Utah, also exploit similar entry points during seasonal shifts.

Earwig Prevention Tips for Utah Homes

To minimize earwig infestations around your Utah home:

  • Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations 
  • Reduce outdoor moisture by fixing leaky faucets and hoses 
  • Keep mulch, compost, and garden debris away from the home’s foundation 
  • Maintain good ventilation in crawlspaces and basements 
  • Use dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity levels 
  • Limit excessive watering in flower beds and landscaped areas 

Proactive prevention is key to keeping earwigs outside where they belong.

Earwigs in Utah

Professional Earwig Control in Utah

Arete Pest Control offers effective, targeted earwig control in Utah to eliminate current infestations and prevent future problems.

Our services include:

  • Thorough inspections to identify harborage areas

  • Outdoor perimeter treatments to create a protective barrier

  • Safe indoor treatments when necessary

  • Ongoing maintenance plans to provide year-round protection

If you’re seeing earwigs in your home or around your property, professional treatment ensures fast, lasting relief.

Explore our full Pest Library to learn about other common Utah pests and how we can protect your home.

Contact Arete Pest Control today for expert earwig extermination and keep your home pest-free.

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