Earwigs are common insects, often found in gardens and homes. Their distinctive pincer-like appendages at their rear frequently lead to concerns about their potential danger.
Understanding Earwig Behavior
Earwigs are identified by their elongated, flattened bodies, ranging from light brown to black. Their most notable feature is the pair of forceps-like appendages, called cerci, at the end of their abdomen. They measure between 0.2 to 1 inch (5 to 25 mm) in length.
Earwigs prefer dark, damp, and cool environments, often found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or mulch. They are nocturnal, emerging at night to feed. Their omnivorous diet includes decaying organic matter, mosses, fungi, and sometimes soft-bodied insects like aphids or slugs. They may also feed on tender plant seedlings or soft fruits.
Are Earwigs a Threat?
Despite their intimidating appearance, earwigs are not dangerous to humans. The common myth that earwigs crawl into people’s ears and burrow into the brain is unfounded. While their pincer-like cerci are used for defense or to grasp prey, they are not strong enough to cause significant injury to human skin.
If an earwig pinches a person, the sensation is usually negligible, similar to a light pinprick, and does not break the skin. Earwigs do not possess venom, nor are they known to transmit diseases to humans or pets. Household pets are safe from earwigs, as these insects pose no toxic threat if ingested.
Earwigs are generally considered nuisance pests rather than destructive ones for property. In gardens, they can sometimes feed on ornamental plants, vegetables, or fruits, but the damage is minor and rarely impacts the health or yield of established plants. They do not cause structural damage to homes or stored goods.
Dealing with Earwigs Around Your Home
Managing earwigs around the home primarily involves reducing favorable conditions that attract them. Since earwigs thrive in moist environments, eliminating sources of dampness is an effective preventative measure. This includes ensuring proper drainage around your home’s foundation, repairing leaky outdoor faucets, and cleaning out clogged gutters.
Removing potential hiding spots can also deter earwigs. Clearing away leaf litter, woodpiles, mulch, and other decaying organic debris from around the house perimeter helps reduce their habitat. Sealing cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, around windows, and under doors can prevent them from entering indoors.
If earwigs are found inside, simple physical removal methods are often sufficient. Vacuuming them up is an effective way to remove them without chemicals. Alternatively, you can create simple traps by rolling up newspapers or placing damp cardboard tubes in areas where earwigs are present; these can then be collected and discarded outside.