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The pincher bug can become a nuisance if they set camp in your yard. Like most insects, pincher bugs are attracted to white lighting outside the house. In summer, having pincher bugs invade your patio and other outside house areas with white lighting is a common occurrence. If possible, a simple solution such as getting the outside light to face the house as opposed to the yard or changing the bulb from white to yellow may help in not attracting them. They are drawn to a white light, therefore switching to a yellow build often proves helpful.

What do they look like?

These little bugs can strike fear in you especially when you don’t know exactly what they are. That is because if you see one or several, it can only mean the rest of the horde is not far behind. Pincher bugs produce pheromones which helps explain why they often cluster together in huge populations. They are pretty fast for insects and that coupled with forceps or pincers on the back of their body is enough to cause concern to anyone who spots the in or around the home. The pincers are a weapon they use to defend themselves against predators as well as for sparring matches with their own kind.

Adults will measure anywhere between 5-25 mm depending on the species. There are at least 20 different species in the United States with significant variance in behavior from one species to another. They are all nocturnal and prefer to emerge at night.

Are pincher bugs dangerous to humans?

Other than looking creepy, pincher bugs are a not a danger to human beings. Some species of this bug are known to secrete a foul smelling liquid as a way to defend themselves against predators. Their bite is not venomous and they rarely attack. This same bug is also called the earwig. They prefer to live in cool, damp and undisturbed places such as under rocks, logs, under leaves and mulch in the garden. When the conditions are right, such as wet soil, food and ground cover, these little bugs can wreak havoc in the garden. They eat and live on vegetation such decaying vegetation and sprouts. Some species of pincher bugs are predators and will therefore prey on other insects.

Pincher bugs rarely enter the house, unless they just happened to wander in your home as a result of an open door. They tend to seek shelter in a home during extended periods of heat and dryness.

The best way to control the pincher bug is by ensuring that your yard is dry and clear of rotting debris. Removing damp leaves, logs and twigs, as well as pruning trees that cast a shadow on the compound preventing it from drying will help in keeping this bug away from your yard and home.

Conclusion

Some people fear earwigs because they have been told that they enter people’s ears when they are asleep. This but a myth and has no truth in it.

Infestations by this but are very rare, however should you notice that these bugs are in your house in areas with water such as the kitchen and bathroom, call an exterminator to help you get rid fo the problem.