Earwigs & Silverfish: Why These Moisture-Loving Pests Keep Coming Back

Alright, let’s talk about two of the most annoying little house guests that never seem to take the hint — earwigs and silverfish. You know the ones. You go to grab a towel from the linen closet or move a stack of old magazines, and bam! one of those shiny little creepers darts out like it owns the place. It’s enough to make you drop everything and do that weird full-body shiver. 

Here’s the thing though — these pests aren’t out to haunt your dreams (even if it feels like it at 2 AM). They’re just after something we all need: moisture. Yep, earwigs and silverfish are basically nature’s little humidity detectors. And once they find a cozy damp spot, they’re not leaving without a fight from pest control Virginia beach experts 

Meet the Moisture Lovers 

First off, let’s get to know our uninvited guests. 

Earwigs look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie with those little pincers on their backside. Don’t worry — they’re not going to crawl into your ear (despite the creepy name). They just like cool, dark, and damp places — think basements, under mulch, or that pile of wet leaves you’ve been meaning to rake. 

Silverfish, on the other hand, are those sleek, silvery, fast-moving insects that slither more than crawl. They love humidity, paper, glue, and starchy materials — basically your books, wallpaper, and cereal boxes. You could say they’re tiny bookworms… but the kind you definitely don’t want around. 

Why They Keep Coming Back (Even When You Thought You Got Rid of Them) 

You might’ve cleaned, sprayed, and decluttered, but here they are again. Why? Because the root of the problem isn’t the bugs — it’s the moisture. 

• Leaky pipes or faucets: Even a slow drip under the sink is like a welcome mat for these pests. 

• Poor ventilation: Bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms are prime real estate for earwigs and silverfish. 

• High humidity: They thrive in places where humidity levels stay above 50%. 

• Outdoor hiding spots: Mulch beds, rotting wood, and damp leaves around your home’s foundation are perfect breeding grounds. 

So, even if you’ve sprayed or vacuumed up a few dozen, they’ll be back if the conditions stay cozy for them. 

Fixing the Real Issue — Moisture Control 

If you want to break the cycle, focus less on killing the bugs and more on making your home less “bug-worthy.” 

• Get a dehumidifier: Especially in basements or crawl spaces. It’s a game-changer. 

• Fix leaks right away: Don’t ignore that slow drip — it’s like a five-star resort for silverfish. 

• Improve ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens or crack windows after showers. 

• Seal entry points: Earwigs love sneaking in through tiny gaps in windows, doors, and siding. 

• Declutter: Cardboard boxes and paper piles are their favorite hangouts. 

A clean, dry home isn’t just nice for you — it’s a major eviction notice for these pests. 

Outdoor Strategy: Start at the Source 

You can’t forget the outside of your home — that’s usually where earwigs start their invasion. Keep mulch layers thin, store firewood off the ground, and trim back plants touching your house. If you’ve got outdoor lights near your entryways, switch to yellow “bug” bulbs. Regular white lights attract insects, which in turn draw the earwigs. 

When It’s Time to Call in Reinforcements 

Look, if you’ve been battling these pests for a while and they’re still doing laps around your baseboards, it might be time to call in a professional. Virginia Beach pest control exterminators can pinpoint moisture sources you might not notice — like cracks behind baseboards or damp insulation. The good ones won’t just spray and leave; they’ll help you figure out long-term prevention strategies, too. 

A Little Front Porch Wisdom 

Let me tell you — everyone’s got at least one “I found a silverfish in my cereal box” story. You’re not alone in this battle. The trick is to stay one step ahead of them. Keep things dry, tidy, and well-ventilated, and those bugs will decide your house just isn’t worth the hassle. 

Because honestly, if your home feels like the Sahara to them, they’ll move on to the next damp basement down the street. 

FAQs 

Q: Are earwigs dangerous?
Not really. They look scary, but they don’t bite or spread disease. Those pincers are more for show than anything else. 

Q: Do silverfish bite humans?
Nope, but they will chew on your paper goods, wallpaper, and even fabrics. They’re more of a nuisance than a health threat. 

Q: What smell do silverfish hate?
They can’t stand the scent of lavender, citrus, or cedar. Using essential oils can help keep them away. 

Q: Why do I see more earwigs after it rains?
Rain drives them out of their outdoor hiding spots and into your home — especially if it’s damp inside. 

Q: Can pest control permanently get rid of them?
With the right treatment and moisture control, yes. But if humidity creeps back, they might too. 

At the end of the day, earwigs and silverfish are just signs your home might be a bit too cozy for comfort — at least from a bug’s perspective. Once you dry things out and close off their favorite hideouts, they’ll pack their little bags and scuttle off somewhere else. And that’s exactly how we like it.