Other Pests

Earwig Facts

Adult earwigs are .59 to .79 inches long. They are typically dark brown to black in color with a red head and pale yellow-brown legs. The body is elongated and flattened. Read on for more earwig facts.

Order/Family

Dermaptera/Forficulidae

Scientific Name

Forficula Auriculana

Biology

The female lays several batches of approximately 50 eggs in nest-like shallow depressions beneath boards or stones.

Behaviour

Firstly, earwigs generally live outdoors and feed on plant material. They are highly active at night and hide during the day under any cloak of concealment. Earwigs are outdoor insects that become household pests when they invade structures. This occurs usually in the fall or at night. Indoors, they are found in cracks and crevices, and under furniture and carpeting.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs

Earwig control and prevention begins outdoors by removing moist harbourages. In other words, these include woodpiles, landscape timbers, and mulch. Since earwig control is difficult, choose our earwig control for fast and effective removal.

Pillbugs / Sowbug Facts

Pillbugs and sowbugs are dark grey in colour and measure between 1/4 to 5/8 inches long. These humpbacked, oval crustaceans appear to be covered with segmented armour. Pillbugs are distinguished from sowbugs through the pillbugs’ ability to roll up into a ball when alarmed.

Order/Family

Crustacea/Isopoda

Scientific Name

Armadillidum vulgare
Porcellio laevis Koch

Biology

Female sowbugs and pillbugs carry their eggs in a brood pouch where their young hatch after 45 days. There are 24 to 28 eggs in each brood. One to three broods are produced each year.

Behaviour

Pillbugs and sowbugs are found in moist areas so they can feed on organic matter. Likewise, they are commonly found outdoors under stones and plant materials. Similarly, pillbugs and sowbugs frequently invade basements and crawlspaces. They do not cause damage, but still are considered a great nuisance.

How to Get Rid of Pillbugs and Sowbugs

Importantly, it is beneficial to reduce moist environments for effective control. For example, removing any piles of organic matter, wood, and any other materials that can create harbourage areas. Meanwhile, you can contact Terminix Canada’s Newfoundland branch and use our sowbug control service.