The current spell of dry weather is encouraging earwigs to seek shelter indoors.
According to information from Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, Earwigs HYG-2068-94, earwigs require cool, moist areas to survive. During dry, hot weather, earwigs sometimes migrate indoors. They are easily killed by residual insecticide treatments in cracks and crevices, along baseboards, beneath cabinets, along door and window sills and other hiding places during the day. Unfortunately, control will be short-term due to new earwig entry from outdoors. High populations, practically invisible during the day, may be present around foundations, in landscaped yards, in mulch, under boards, etc. To prevent earwigs from entering your house be sure to eliminate damp, moist conditions in crawl spaces under houses, around faucets, around air-conditioning units and along house foundations. Rain gutters and spouts should carry water away from the house foundation. Use caulking compound, putty and weather stripping around doors, windows, pipes and other entry sites, especially at the ground level. Change landscaping by creating a clean, dry border immediately around the foundation wall. Gravel or ornamental stones can make an attractive barrier against earwigs and other pest invaders.
For more information on earwigs, be sure to visit Earwigs HYG-2068-94 (http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2068.html) .
