If you’ve spotted small insects creeping through your basement or chewing on your garden plants, you’re not alone. At Accurate Pest Control, we often help homeowners looking for earwig control or wondering why ground beetles are showing up in their yards. While both insects are common in the state, knowing how to tell them apart—and when to call a professional—can save you time and stress. 

Meet The Nighttime Crawlers 

Earwigs 

Earwigs are easily recognized by the pincer-like forceps at the back of their bodies. In Maryland, they thrive in damp mulch, shaded gardens, and basements, especially in areas like Rockville, Columbia, and Bethesda. 

• Contrary to old myths, they do not crawl into people’s ears. 

• They feed on decaying matter and small insects but also chew on vegetables, flowers, and fruits, damaging Maryland gardens. 

• They often wander indoors during humid weather, making earwig infestations in Maryland homes a frequent concern. 

👉 If you notice earwigs around your garden beds or inside your home, Accurate Pest Control provides professional earwig control Maryland homeowners can trust. 

 

Ground Beetles 

Ground beetles are shiny, dark, fast-moving insects often mistaken for roaches. They’re actually beneficial predators outdoors, feeding on slugs, caterpillars, and other pests common in Maryland gardens. 

• Found under stones, firewood piles, or landscaping timbers. 

• May enter basements and garages in Baltimore, Annapolis, or Rockville neighborhoods. 

• While not harmful, they can become a nuisance when they show up indoors in large numbers. 

👉 For recurring infestations, our team specializes in ground beetle exterminator  

Earwigs vs. Ground Beetles: How to Tell Them Apart 

Feature	Earwigs	Ground Beetles
Appearance	Elongated body + pincers at the rear	Shiny, flat, fast-moving beetle
Habitat	Mulch, damp soil, basements	Stones, firewood, garages
Diet	Decaying matter, plants, small insects	Predatory: slugs, caterpillars, pests
Problem	Can damage plants, invade homes	Nuisance indoors, but beneficial outdoors

 

Why They Become a Problem? 

• Rainy springs & humid summers: Push earwigs and beetles out of the soil and into homes. 

• Moisture in basements: A common issue in Maryland houses, particularly in Rockville and Silver Spring. 

• Landscaping practices: Decorative mulch and stone beds are pest hot spots near Maryland homes. 

When these factors combine, homeowners often search for pest control in Rockville MD or other nearby areas to get relief from crawling insects. 

 

Prevention & Control Tips for Maryland Homeowners 

1. Keep Mulch Away from Foundations: Many Maryland yards use heavy mulch. Keep it at least 6–12 inches away from your foundation. 

1. Seal Basements: Use caulk and weatherproofing to block gaps where insects sneak inside. 

1. Fix Drainage Issues: Redirect downspouts and gutters away from the house to reduce moisture. 

1. Trim Overgrown Shrubs: Maryland’s lush summer vegetation can provide cover for pests. 

1. Reduce Outdoor Lights: Switch to yellow “bug lights” to avoid attracting insects. 

 

When to Call Us? 

While DIY steps can help, earwig and beetle infestations sometimes require professional attention. Accurate Pest Control offers: 

• Earwig control you rely on for long-term protection. 

• Ground beetle exterminator services to stop recurring indoor invasions. 

• Comprehensive pest control, customized to your property’s needs. 

Our experts identify the pest correctly, apply targeted treatments, and provide exclusion strategies that keep your home protected all year. 

 

Earwigs and ground beetles may not cause structural damage like termites, but they can quickly become a nuisance. Whether you’re dealing with earwigs in your garden beds or ground beetles sneaking into your basement, Accurate Pest Control has the knowledge and tools to help.