Earwig Control
in Toronto.
Earwig control in Toronto: identify earwigs by their pincers, learn why they come indoors in hot, dry weather, and how to keep them out of your home.
Understand what
you’re seeing.
Earwigs are easy to recognise by the pincers at the end of their body. They live outdoors in damp, shaded spots, and in Toronto they most often show up indoors in summer, especially in basements and near doors.
Identification & signs
- Earwigs are about 1.2–2 cm (½–¾ in) long and reddish-brown to dark brown, with a pair of pincers at the tail end. Curved pincers are males; straighter pincers are females.
- They are active at night and hide during the day under stones, boards, mulch, leaf litter and other damp, dark places.
- During hot, dry weather earwigs move indoors looking for cool, damp shelter, entering around door sills, windows and gaps at the foundation.
- Earwigs are harmless to people and do not crawl into ears; that is a myth. Outdoors they can chew seedlings and garden plants.
Identification reference: Ohio State University Extension: earwigs.
Practical first steps.
Start with the conditions you can observe. If the activity continues or the pest is uncertain, describe the pattern when requesting an assessment.
- Move mulch, leaf litter, boards and woodpiles away from the foundation.
- Reduce moisture near the house: fix leaking taps and downspouts and improve drainage.
- Seal gaps at door sills, windows and where pipes or cables enter.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp basements, and note the rooms where you see them.
What does earwig control cost in Toronto?
Earwig control in Toronto costs $199–$499, before HST. Quotes are free, and we are fully licensed and insured.
- Price depends on the size of the home and how many areas, such as basements, entrances and window wells, need treatment.
- Fixing damp areas and sealing gaps at doors and the foundation is part of keeping them out.
- Your final price depends on property size, how widespread the activity is and the treatment needed. We confirm it in a free quote before any work starts.
- A warranty is available. Its length depends on the treatment, the level of infestation and the sanitation conditions at the property, and is confirmed in your quote.
Earwigs: common questions.
Are earwigs dangerous?
No. They can pinch if handled, but they are harmless to people and do not damage homes. They are mainly a nuisance indoors.
Why are there earwigs in my house?
Hot, dry weather drives earwigs indoors looking for cool, damp places. Basements, bathrooms and areas near doors are the most common spots.
How do I keep earwigs out?
Reduce damp hiding places next to the house, such as mulch and leaf litter, and seal gaps at doors, windows and the foundation.
Tell us about
your property.
Mention where you see earwigs, how many, whether the area is damp, and the time of year.
Include your city or neighbourhood, property type and the best way to reach you. Before booking, confirm the scope, preparation instructions, price and any follow-up arrangements.
Related pest guides.
General pest information checked against the linked reference. Updated October 6, 2026. Treatment recommendations depend on identification and the property assessment.