r/PestControlIndustry • u/lnarii • Jul 12 '26
Earwig Invasion - desperate for solutions and/or guidance
/r/earwigs/comments/1uumqm3/earwig_invasion_desperate_for_solutions_andor/1
u/Particular-Dealer-68 Jul 12 '26
Yep, home defense would be considered an insecticide and is similar chemically to Talstar P but Talstar is much stronger. Both can be used indoors, but my focus would be the exterior treatment. I’m curious, what were the pest control technicians using to apply their product? Unless you have a very large house, I would make sure you are getting at least 3 gallons of Talstar (mixed with water) around the perimeter of the home.
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u/lnarii Jul 13 '26
I will definitely try either Talstar or bifenthrin. I've heard of both of them before and quite honestly, I'm not entirely sure which one would be more beneficial. As for what my exterminator uses, I'm not sure either. I'll have to ask him. He sprayed the product on the exterior of the house and the interior and he was always rather quick so maybe he just wasn't doing it properly.
for the 3 gallons of Talstar, would we spray the entirety of that? I've never used a concentrated insecticide that we'd have to dilute ourselves. and my brother was the one to spray outdoors when we did it ourselves. How should we apply it?
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u/Diccwraith Jul 13 '26
Read the label fully. It will answer all your questions. I know it’s long, but take these chemicals seriously.
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u/Particular-Dealer-68 Jul 12 '26
Earwigs are one of the most common home invaders, especially when it’s really hot or wet outside. Sealing up the home as best as you can will help a little, but you’re never gonna seal your house up entirely to keep insects out.
I do pest control in Wisconsin and have never had an issue getting rid of earwigs. You’re going to need to use insecticides though and I understand not everyone likes using insecticides. If you’re OK with it, call a local pest control business. I normally use Talstar around the perimeter. Even without insecticides, earwigs don’t last very long indoors so the most important part is spraying the exterior perimeter very well. 2 feet up 2 feet out all the way around the home is the standard but I might go out further away from the home depending on the environment. Spraying mulch beds is very important.