How to identify earwigs
- Dark reddish-brown body ½–¾ inch with prominent rear pincers
- Active at night, hide under mulch, planters, and stones during the day
- Strong attraction to moisture and light
Signs of an infestation
- Earwigs under door mats, in entry planters, or inside garages
- Notched holes in marigold, dahlia, lettuce, or strawberry leaves
- Sudden activity surge after irrigation or rain
Why earwigs thrive in the SFV
Drip irrigation, dense mulch beds, and 24/7 outdoor lighting on SFV homes create perfect earwig conditions. Populations peak in late spring through early fall and crash with the first cold snap.
The Evictr treatment process
- 1Perimeter granular bait around the foundation and mulch beds
- 2Targeted liquid treatment to weep holes, door thresholds, and irrigation boxes
- 3Recommendations to reduce moisture and harborage near entry points
Prevention tips
- Pull mulch back 12 inches from the foundation
- Replace torn door sweeps
- Switch porch lights to amber LED
- Water lawns in the morning so soil dries by night
Frequently asked questions
Do earwigs really crawl into ears?
No — that's an old wives' tale. The name comes from the ear-shaped wing pattern, not behavior. Earwigs are harmless to humans aside from a minor pinch if handled.
Why are there so many earwigs at my front door?
Porch lights attract them and door mats trap moisture underneath. Move the mat, switch the bulb, and we'll treat the threshold and surrounding planters.
Earwigs control across the San Fernando Valley
Evictr provides earwigs treatment to homes and small commercial properties across the SFV, including:
North HollywoodSherman OaksStudio CityVan NuysEncinoTarzanaWoodland HillsResedaNorthridgeGranada HillsBurbankValley Village
See all service areas