If you come across an earwig in the home or around the yard, you might wonder if this is an insect you should be worried about. Is it harmful? Should you keep your children or pets away from them? Do you need to quickly find ways to get rid of them? Here is what you need to know if you encounter an earwig.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
Earwigs are not a dangerous insect to people. While they may look intimidating due to their exoskeleton and distinctive pincers, they can do very little harm. Earwigs don’t have any stingers on their body and thus do not carry any venom. They are not poisonous. If earwigs are scared or their bodies get crushed, they can release a yellowish-brown secretion that carries a foul smell. However, this isn’t harmful in any way other than providing an unpleasant scent.
Do Earwigs Bite?
While they might not be the most pleasant insect to come across, earwigs do not bite. There is no sign that would indicate a mark on a person’s body would be that of an earwig bite. They do, however, have a pair of pincers that they can use if they feel scared or need to defend themselves.
Do Earwigs Pinch?
As a substitute for biting, an earwig can pinch a person using the pincers at the end of their body. A pinch to the human skin might be semi-noticeable but not typically painful. In rare instances, an earwig pinch can break the skin. If that were to be the case, treatment for that event would be the same as for any normal scratch. Clean the wound with soap and water and use an antibacterial cream or lotion to prevent any infection that might come from the soil earwigs live and crawl in.
Are Earwigs Harmful to Cats and Dogs?
In general, earwigs do not pose a threat to cats or dogs. They are not an aggressive insect that would seek out contact or confrontation with household animals. Earwigs do have their pincers that they will use if they feel scared or threatened by a predator, but they don’t have the capability to do any real damage.
There is a chance that your cat or dog may get nipped in the nose or face by an earwig, and if unlucky, they might even hold on. However, this pinch will not be very painful or even noticeable for the dog or cat. Since earwigs don’t have any venom or dangerous substances in their bodies, a dog or cat eating an earwig should not cause any problems. The yellow secretion that earwigs give off might not provide the greatest scent, however.
Safety Concerns When Getting Rid of Earwigs
As earwigs are an unpleasant pest to have in or around the home, you might take different measures to get rid of them. If you decide that a pesticide is the best method, make sure to keep these sprays or traps away and out of reach from infants and small animals. The chemicals used in those solutions can be harmful to people if touched or ingested, so use them with caution and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can earwigs harm people?
A: Earwigs are not harmful to people. They do not bite and are not poisonous. If scared or crushed, they can release a foul-smelling secretion, but this is not harmful.
Q: Can earwigs harm cats and dogs?
A: Earwigs do not pose a threat to cats or dogs. They may pinch if scared or threatened, but it is not typically painful or noticeable.
Q: How should I get rid of earwigs?
A: There are various methods to get rid of earwigs, including pesticides. However, it’s important to use them with caution and keep them away from children and pets.
Conclusion
Earwigs are generally harmless to humans, cats, and dogs. While they may look intimidating with their pincers, they do not bite or pose any significant danger. If you encounter an earwig, there is no need to panic. However, if you decide to use pesticides to get rid of them, ensure that you handle them safely and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
For more information about earwigs and pest control, visit Pawsoha.