Earwigs are common insects found both indoors and outdoors. Their distinctive appearance often leads to questions about their potential danger to humans. Despite their somewhat intimidating look, earwigs are generally harmless. This article clarifies common misconceptions and offers practical advice for managing their presence around your home.
Understanding Earwig Toxicity
Earwigs are not poisonous or venomous to humans. A poisonous organism causes harm when ingested or absorbed, while a venomous one injects toxins. Earwigs lack the biological mechanisms to produce or deliver either type of harmful substance to humans.
They do not possess fangs, stingers, or glands that produce venom. Their diet primarily consists of decaying plant matter, fungi, and small insects like aphids or mites, indicating they are not predatory in a way that would harm humans.
What to Expect from an Earwig Pinch
Earwigs possess a pair of forceps-like appendages called cerci at their rear, which can appear menacing. These pincers are primarily used for defense against predators, for mating rituals, and occasionally for holding prey. While earwigs can use these pincers to pinch a human if threatened or handled, the sensation is mild.
An earwig pinch is not painful and seldom breaks the skin. If the skin is broken, it may result in two small red marks. In these rare cases, cleaning the area with soap and water and applying an antiseptic cream is a sensible precaution, similar to treating any minor scratch.
Common Earwig Myths
One persistent myth about earwigs is the belief they crawl into people’s ears and burrow into the brain to lay eggs. This long-standing misconception has no scientific basis. While any small insect could accidentally enter an ear canal, earwigs do not intentionally seek out human ears as a habitat.
The name “earwig” likely originated from an Old English term, possibly due to their wing shape or ancient superstitions. Earwigs prefer damp, dark crevices, such as under rocks or logs, not warm, waxy ear canals.
Managing Earwigs Around Your Home
Earwigs often seek shelter indoors, particularly in damp, cool areas like basements, bathrooms, or kitchens. To manage their presence, focus on moisture control and sealing entry points. Repairing leaky faucets, improving drainage around the foundation, and using dehumidifiers in humid areas can reduce attractive conditions.
Sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation prevents them from entering your home. Removing outdoor debris such as leaf piles, wood, and excessive mulch near the house also eliminates their hiding spots. Simple traps, like rolled-up damp newspapers, can be used to collect and remove them. Given their harmless nature, professional pest control is not needed, though it remains an option if infestations persist.