Brothers Pest & Lawn Services
Earwig hiding under a leaf

Earwigs in Jordan & the South Metro?

Nocturnal pincer-tails that hide under mulch and enter homes seeking moisture. Here is how we handle it.

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How do you get rid of earwigs in Minnesota? Reduce the moisture and mulch that attract them. We treat harborage areas and entry points, and use growth regulators to stop the breeding cycle. Sealing gaps near the foundation and clearing mulch and debris away from the house goes a long way toward keeping them out.

Quick facts

What they look like

Brown, elongated body with a pair of pincers on the rear

Size

1/2 to 1 inch

Peak season in Minnesota

Summer and early fall

Where they hide

Under mulch, in damp areas, and near foundations

Bite, sting or damage

Can pinch but rarely breaks skin

What are the signs you have earwigs?

Earwigs under rocks, mulch, and debris near the foundation
Earwigs inside during humid or wet weather
Damage to seedlings and soft plant tissue in the garden
Clusters in damp basements or crawl spaces

Why are earwigs in my house?

Earwigs come inside looking for moisture during dry spells, slipping under doors and through gaps near the foundation, often hiding under mulch and debris outside

What do earwigs look like?

What they are

Nocturnal insects with pincers on the rear that hide in damp, dark spots

Common Minnesota species

European earwig and others

When are earwigs worst in Minnesota?

Summer and early fall, especially during humid spells

Are earwigs harmful?

They feed on plants and enter homes seeking moisture, sometimes in numbers

How does Brothers get rid of earwigs?

We treat harborage and entry points and use insect growth regulators

How can I keep earwigs out?

Reduce mulch and debris near the foundation

Fix drainage and eliminate excess moisture around the house

Seal gaps under doors and around the foundation

Earwigs

Here is how we handle it

Licensed & insured

Family-owned in Jordan since 2021

No rigid contracts

We tell you what you need, and what you don't

Details

Common questions

Do earwigs crawl in ears?
That is a myth. Earwigs do not seek out ears. They are named for the shape of their hind wings, not for any ear behavior.
Are earwigs harmful?
They can pinch with their rear pincers but rarely break skin. They are more of a nuisance than a danger.
Why are they in my house?
They come inside seeking moisture during dry spells. Reducing humidity and mulch near the foundation helps keep them out.

Related help

Pest Control

The Brothers service that covers earwigs

Learn more about pest control

Centipedes

Fast, many-legged predators drawn to damp basements and crawl spaces

Learn more about centipedes

Silverfish

Wingless, fish-like insects that damage books, paper, and clothing; like humidity

Learn more about silverfish

Dealing with earwigs?

Tell us what you're seeing. We'll figure out what your home actually needs, no pressure, no rigid contracts.

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(612) 431-7378