Identify earwigs and silverfish
Earwigs
Reddish-brown with a pair of pincers on the rear. The pincers look scary but are harmless to people. They hide in mulch and under flowerpots by day and feed at night.
Silverfish
Silvery, carrot-shaped, and wriggly. They feed on starchy materials, including book glue, wallpaper paste, and papers, and prefer humid bathrooms, attics, and basements.
Signs you have earwigs and silverfish
- Pincered insects under pots and in the folds of damp towels
- Tiny yellowish stains or ragged holes in paper and book bindings
- Small shed skins in a bathroom cabinet
- Insects scattering when you turn on a basement light
Why they come inside
Moisture is the draw. Mulch against the foundation, leaky plumbing, and poor ventilation all create the humid corners they like.
How Go Go treats them
We find the humid hiding places, treat them, and point out fixes such as ventilation, mulch spacing, and leaks. The point is to make the area less comfortable so they stay away.
Covered by a protection plan?
Yes. Earwigs and silverfish are on the plan, so regular treatments cover the damp zones where they gather. See how plans work →
FAQ
Earwigs & Silverfish: common questions
Do earwigs really crawl into ears?
That is a myth. They like tight, dark spaces, but they have no interest in people.
What do silverfish damage?
They eat starch-based materials like book bindings, wallpaper, and boxed papers, and can leave yellow stains.
How do I keep them from returning?
Dry out the space. Fix leaks, run a dehumidifier in basements, and keep mulch and leaf litter away from the foundation.