Why Damp Homes in London Offer Ideal Habitat for these Creatures?

If you’ve noticed thin, dark insects wriggling around in your bathroom or kitchen, especially after the rain, you may have an unwelcome visitor: Earwigs.

They may not be the most frightening of pests, but earwigs are notorious for living in dark, damp areas, and if moisture is an issue in your home, chances are they may already be squatting there.
At Pestpatrol, we assess hundreds of earwig infestations for Londoners, especially in older homes or those with a lack of ventilation.

This article will outline what attracts earwigs, how to identify if they are around, and most importantly, how to eradicate them and prevent them from returning.

What Are Earwigs?

First thing’s first:
no earwigs don’t crawl in your ear while you sleep – that is simply an old wives’ tale!

What they are interested in, is moisture.
Earwigs, (or forficula auricularia, if you want to be scientific), are thin insects with pincers on the end, which may seem scary, but don’t panic, earwigs are not likely to do you any harm.

Despite their menacing appearance, earwigs don’t bite, and are really only a nuisance (not a health hazard).

However, if you are seeing them inside regularly, that is indicative of a bigger problem, which is excess moisture in or around your property.

Why Earwigs are Attracted to Moisture (and you should get used to that)

Earwigs have a natural preference for damp settings because they use moisture to exist. Their natural habitat typically is under logs, stones or leaf litter.

Indoors they will find:

• Bathrooms
• Basements
• Kitchens
• Utility rooms
• Behind appliances
• Leaky windows or doors

Their pest issues are in boxes, newspapers, etc.

If your property has condensation, rising damp or plumbing issues, you have almost rolled out the red carpet for them.

And it isn’t just earwigs.
Where there is moisture, there may also be other pests – such as silverfish, woodlice, rodents, etc. So, the presence of earwigs can potentially be an early warning on the plight of other pests.

How to Know If There Are Earwigs

As earwigs are nocturnal, and fast-moving, you probably won’t see them in the open during the day.

But you can see clues:

• Sightings of live earwigs: Particularly in areas of drains, floorboards or skirting.
• A musty smell: In sufficient numbers, they may create a very oily, unpleasant smell.
• Damage to your plants or paper: They seldom destroy buildings, but may nibble at your indoor plants and paper products.
• Continuing [on-going] moisture: If your property is damp, mouldy, or humid, earwigs may already be present – even if you haven’t seen them.

Where are Earwigs Common in London?

Earwigs don’t care if they are in high-rise or terrace homes – they are present throughout Greater London | Canary Wharf or Islington.

There are almost more clues using underlined call-out locations that have moist areas.

In addition to having increased call-out rates that collection of homes has had, the types of issues it has included:

• Older homes with old plumbing
• Garden flats that have no ventilation
• Backed onto a green space or a canal
• Homes with cellar or crawlspace

To note: if you live in a flat that does not allow for much airflow or a converted basement, chances are you are attracting earwigs, especially in wetter months.

How Moisture Leads to Pest Problems

But earwigs only joined a long list of pests attracted to your damp home.
A damp environment is the canvas for many unwelcome visitors.

Here are some more creatures moisture can offer to your property:

• Silverfish – enjoy a humid bathroom
• Woodlice – rotting wood and wet plaster are their goal
• Cockroaches – rely on moisture for survival
• Fungus gnats – thrive in mouldy plant soil ectoparasites
• Mould mites – small but tenacious eaters of fungi

That’s why damp isn’t just a plumbing issue – it is a pest prevention opportunity.

DIY methods that could work – but usually will not

It can be very tempting to go to the internet for a easy solution to fix your problem – vinegar trap here, sprinkle of boric acid there.

These can reduce the numbers temporarily, but you have not solved the problem – moisture.

Common DIY solutions include:

• Dehumidifiers
• Silica gel packets
• Oil (eucalyptus or tea tree)
• Caulking entry points

But unless you address the reason for the moisture – like leaking plumbing or bad insulation – the earwigs just keep coming back.
They are stubborn little buggers, and they will always find the wet spots you might not even know are there.

Professional Solutions: How Pestpatrol handles your earwig problem

At Pestpatrol we go well beyond surface solutions.

This is what you can expect with a professional earwig treatment:

• A complete property assessment – We locate entry points, moisture and nesting areas.
• Specific insecticide application – Safe for households, families and pets, but will kill the pests.
• Moisture mapping and education – We provide information so you can determine the cause of your moisture and how to manage it.
• Sealing and Prevention – We can help you with sealing the cracks and advise you on dehumifiers and prevention for the future.
• Ongoing monitoring – We do not just disappear, we will follow up and support you in case of the project flaring up again.

It is this circle of service that has made Pestpatrol one of London’s trusted pest control consultants – especially when the problems lie deeper than just bugs.

Don’t Let the Damp Survive – You’re inviting pests

We all know London properties especially older ones are infamous for condensation and leaks.

However, ignoring that damp smelling corner or dripping tap could mean more than just damage to your paint.
It could mean pests – not just earwigs.

If you have noticed an increase in creepy crawlies or can’t escape that damp smell, do not delay.
Whether it be a one-time treatment or a complete inspection, Pestpatrol is here to help.

Last Word: Identify Moisture Areas to Stop the Earwigs

You do not have to panic at your first sight of an earwig.
But consideration of it is a sign – albeit discreet – something in your environment is not right.

And if it is not earwigs this time, it might be something worse next.

Let Pestpatrol come and inspect your property.
We know London houses and we know pests.
We can inspect on the front end, so we can eliminate the damp before it turns into an infestation.

Concerned about earwigs or pests associated with dampness?
Check out our earwig pest page for helpful advice and solutions specially adapted for your London home.