Knowledgebase

Help identifying insect #871595

Asked June 04, 2024, 6:16 PM EDT

Small insect. A little larger than an odorous ant with a long thorax. No wings. Swarm was at back door to 2nd floor deck then came in thru basement door below deck. Seen a lot crawling in line of 2 or more.

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

The overall body shape looks reminiscent of an earwig, which do sometimes occur in groups (they like moist, dark areas), but we can't clearly see enough detail to be sure. Are any of the insects still around to take more photos? Putting a ruler next to the insect, if it holds still long enough, can help us get a sense of scale while also giving the camera something to focus on. Earwigs can be a nuisance if they get indoors, but generally they are not a typical indoor pest, and only cause minor damage (if anything) to plants outside. Keeping these or other insects out usually involves just sealing gaps and cracks, like repairing torn window screening, replacing worn-out door or window weather-stripping, and looking for access points around vent covers or pipe entry points on an exterior wall.

Insects active at night, which can include earwigs, are also often drawn to outdoor lighting, like a porch light, so if turned off, that can minimize how many insects congregate around doors and windows where they might find a way to wander in.

Miri
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On Wed, Jun 5, 2024, 6:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2024, 9:31 PM EDT
Thank you for the additional photos. While still difficult to see clearly, we do still think they are earwigs (perhaps juveniles since their characteristic pincher hind ends are not very prominent). The recommendations from our prior reply still apply with regards to trying to block them from getting inside.

Miri

After further evaluations of the photos please note these insects may be subterranean termites. We have received reports throughout Maryland of termite swarms. Swarms naturally occur as a part of termite dispersal and do not mean nearby structures will be infested. The termites that are a part of these swarms are winged termites (called alates) that will drop their wings after mating. In many cases, alates that find their way indoors will simply die due to lack of moisture. They may be attracted to light and, thus, will readily die on window sills or in other open areas. Luckily, these alates do not cause structural damage but they are looking for sites to establish new termite colonies.

We recommend looking out for signs of termite establishment like the presence of dirt tunnels or "shelter tubes", soil packed in cracks or crevices, cracking or sagging floors, dark or blistering wood paneling, and/or blistering or peeling paint on wood.

For more general information about termites and what signs of their damage can look like, please see these Extension pages: 

If you collect one or more of these insects, a professional pest control company could look at them up close and provide a more accurate identification. Unfortunately we cannot see the details we need for identification based on these photos.

High humidity can promote termite infestations. Make sure that crawl spaces are well ventilated. Some other termite risk factors to be aware of include direct contact of soil, mulch, or leaves with any wooden part of the house, or with siding or insulation (provides an entry point for termites), excessive water accumulating against the foundation, and moist wood (this includes water from poor drainage, gutter downspouts, air conditioner condensation, leaky faucets, or excessive irrigation).

If you notice any signs of termite infestation, contact a professional pest control company. Companies that are members of the Maryland Pest Control Association and the National Pest Management Association have access to all current treatment practices. You can check a company's reputation by calling the Better Business Bureau. Make certain that the company has an active certification license from the Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide Regulation Section.

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