There's an abundance of earwigs in Sept-Îles this summer
![earwig Earwigs thrive in the heat and humidity of southern Quebec.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2021/8/17/earwig-1-5550265-1629213218000.jpg)
The earwig, an insect of the forficulidae family, is more present this year in the Cote-Nord municipality of Sept-Rivières than in the past. According to exterminator Karl Lagacé, this summer's weather is playing a major role in the increased spread of earwigs in residents' yards.
“There have always been requests for outdoor treatments against earwigs, but this year, we have a greater number of calls compared to other years,” said Lagacé.
The rain, heat and humidity provide an environment in which earwigs can thrive, he adds.
"Since we've had a fairly wet summer so far, it's normal to see more earwigs,” he says
Each year, a female lays about 50 eggs in the soil, caring for the larvae after they’ve hatched. Thus, an early infestation can quickly deteriorate to become unpleasant and invasive, even getting inside homes.
It’s important to reduce the humidity level around the floor of the house as much as possible by redirecting the gutters to keep water away and avoid its accumulation around the building. Further, nothing should be kept directly on the ground without ventilation space underneath.
Other ways to avoid a spread include cleaning the ground of any wood or leaves, caulking all visible cracks and crevices, and placing small jars of vegetable oil in places where earwigs are visible. Contact with soapy water can also kill the insect, Lagacé adds.
Earwigs are completely harmless and are in no way dangerous to humans. However, their presence inside the home can quickly become unpleasant — and outside, their droppings can stain exterior siding and covers for and boats and barbecues, for example.
“In small amounts, earwigs can be good for gardens, especially to counteract the presence of aphids and any other insect pests. However, in large quantities, earwigs can become harmful to a garden since they also feed on plants,'' concludes Lagacé.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6954857.1720387155!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Alice Munro's daughter says mom kept silent when stepfather sexually abused her
The youngest daughter of celebrated Canadian author Alice Munro has opened up about sexual abuse by her stepfather and the deep hurt she felt when her mother chose to support her husband instead of her child.
France election: Leftists win more seats over far right, but leaves hung parliament
A coalition of the French left won the most seats in high-stakes legislative elections Sunday, beating back a far-right surge but failing to win a majority.
Bus crashes into electrical pylon, causing massive power outage on the South Shore
Tens of thousands of households on Montreal's South Shore have been without electricity since Saturday night after a bus crashed into an electrical pylon.
Ottawa councillor, residents condemn arrival of 'hateful' group Diagolon 'Terror Tour'
A community group and an Ottawa city councillor have come forward to condemn the arrival of the far-right group Diagolon after it brought its 'Road Rage Terror Tour' to Ottawa over the weekend.
Planning a last-minute summer vacation? Here's how to save money
Summer is already in full swing, but there is still time to plan a vacation — and even save some money, while you're at it.
'Meltdown': A week later, WestJet continues to feel the fallout from mechanics strike
One week after it ended, WestJet continues to feel the effects of a mechanics strike that nearly shut down the airline's network for 29 hours.
ANALYSIS Why are Trudeau and Singh avoiding Stampede this year?
This year, only Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will be saddling up for the event, while both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh will stay away.
As Biden continues campaigning, some House Democrat leaders say he should step aside
Some leading congressional Democrats privately suggested it was time for U.S. President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection bid.
Woman dies at Rolling Stones concert in Vancouver
A woman attending the Rolling Stones concert at BC Place died Friday night, police confirmed.