Some bugs are usually mistaken for earwigs because they look so much alike. These bugs that look like earwigs share similar characteristics but they are also a few differences if you carefully look at them twice, you can spot the differences.
These bugs that look like earwigs are firebrats and silverfish. They share the same preference for moisture, being mostly nocturnal, and having relatively quick movements.
Earwigs, firebrats, and silverfish belong to the same class of insect, but firebrats and silverfish are from an order Thysanura and earwigs from the order Dermaptera.
Read also: What Do Pill Bugs Eat? | The Pill Bug’s Diet
Bugs That Look Like Earwigs
Below is the list of bugs that look like earwigs with their characteristics and how to prevent them:
1. Firebrats
Firebrats can be mistaken for earwigs but they have these distinguishing characteristics that make it easier to identify them from earwigs. They have a length of 1.5cm. They possess a long pair of antennae and 3 long, slender, hair-like structures that get to the last segments of their body.
Firebrats are grayish-brown and speckled dark spot on their back. They do not possess wings for flight but they move by running so fast. Firebrats can live for a long period of time without feeding so as earwigs.
Firebrats have three appendages protruding from their abdomen while earwigs have two appendages protruding from their abdomen.
Read also: Types of Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches
Characteristics of Firebrats
- Firebrats range from 1 to 1.5cm in length.
- They are grayish-brown in color and have the shape of a carrot.
- They are found in hot, moist environments. Also found in high moisture areas such as bathtubs, hot water heaters, ovens, attics, and dryers.
- They are wingless
- They infest dog food, bindings, books, flour, and wallpaper.
How to Get Rid of Firebrats in your Home
- Apply sticky traps.
- The use of pesticides is advisable.
- You can also use cedar mixed inside the water to spray around your home.
2. Silverfish
Silverfish is one of the bugs that look like earwigs. They possess a slender, long, and flattened body and they also have these three long bristles coming off their hind end.
They are about 2.5cm in length. They have a light shimmery gray to blue color, and they move in a fish-like way. Silverfish have no wings like firebrats and they run so fast just like a firebrat.
Silverfish can also live for a long period of time without feeding so as earwigs. Silverfish have three appendages protruding from their abdomen while earwigs have two appendages protruding from their abdomen.
Read also: Fast and Safe Ways on How to Get Rid of Silverfish Bugs
Characteristics of Silverfish
- Silverfish ranges from 1` to 2.5cm in length.
- They are light shimmery gray to blue in color and have a flattened, long body.
- They are found in damp, moderate areas such as attics, in the kitchen cupboards, basements, under sinks, and in laundry rooms.
- They are wingless.
- They infest clothing, glue, wallpaper, paper, flour, sugar, oats, photos, dry goods, and other items that have starch or sugar.
How to Get Rid of Silverfish in Your Home
- Place sticky traps in your home.
- Add cedar oil to water and spray around your home.
- Spread dried bay leaves around your home.
- Set a trap by using starchy food in a glass container then wrap the outside with tape to trap it.
3. Earwigs
Earwigs are brownish-red in color, thin insects. They possess wings but at times are wingless. Earwigs can cause damage to plants.
It is believed that earwigs do crawl into the ears of sleeping persons for the purpose of burrowing into the brain to lay eggs but this is not true, but they can enter the ear accidentally just like any other insect.
But funny enough earwigs have actually gotten into my ear while I was asleep and the experience was terrifying. They are a nuisance when found inside the house, but they don’t carry any diseases.
Read also: Do Earwigs Bite? | How Severe is the Earwig’s Bite?
Characteristics of Earwigs
- Earwigs range from 5-25mm in length for some species.
- They are a brownish-red color.
- Some possess wings while some are wingless.
- Earwigs infest newspapers, boxes, furniture, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, under potted plants.
Read also: Are Earwigs Dangerous? The Behaviour of Earwigs
How to Get Rid of Earwigs safely from your ear
- Do not hit your ear but tilt your head to the affected side and gently shake your head.
- If the earwig is still alive try pouring a tiny amount of vegetable oil into the ear to suffocate it and make it come from the ear.
- See a doctor immediately if you cant remove the earwig at home.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your Home Naturally
Getting rid of earwigs in or around your home is not that difficult. Just mix rubbing alcohol and water together then spray at the earwigs, it kills them immediately.
Conclusion
When we talk about bugs that look like earwigs we are talking about silverfish and firebrats. These bugs look so much alike to each other but they have few similarities between them.
Going through this article will help you know which of them you are dealing with and how to get rid of them if they infest your home.
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