Earwigs, belonging to the insect order Dermaptera, are common household and garden pests often recognized by the prominent, pincer-like appendages extending from their abdomen. People frequently worry if these creatures can inflict a painful pinch and if that action poses any physical danger. Despite their intimidating look, the actual threat earwigs present to humans is minimal.
Understanding the Earwig’s Pincers
The intimidating “pincers” on the rear of the earwig are specialized anatomical structures called cerci. These paired appendages are found on the last segment of the abdomen and define the Dermaptera order. An earwig can use these cerci to pinch a human, but they are primarily employed for other biological functions.
The cerci serve multiple purposes, including defense against predators, grasping prey, and manipulating the delicate hindwings. They are also used during mating rituals, where the male secures the female. The appearance of the cerci differs significantly between sexes, which is a form of sexual dimorphism.
Male earwigs possess larger, more curved cerci, while females have cerci that are typically straighter and smaller. The pinching action in both sexes is almost exclusively a defensive reaction. This usually occurs only if the insect is handled or accidentally pressed against the skin.
Assessing the Risk: Pain, Venom, and Injury
A pinch from an earwig is certainly possible, but the resulting sensation is rarely more than a brief, mild nip or scratch. The cerci lack the necessary strength and sharpness to consistently break human skin, especially compared to the bite of other insects. If a pinch does occur, the discomfort is usually mild and passes quickly, often feeling like a slight pressure between fingernails.
Earwigs are not venomous and do not possess a stinger or venom sac. They cannot inject toxins, which eliminates the primary danger posed by many other arthropods. The belief that they are toxic often stems from the foul-smelling, yellowish-brown liquid some species secrete when threatened, which is a harmless defensive measure.
If the skin is broken, which is rare, the primary concern is the potential for a secondary infection. Because earwigs live in damp environments like soil and decaying matter, they may carry bacteria. If the skin is punctured, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water and apply an antiseptic ointment, treating it as any minor scratch or scrape.
Common Earwig Myths and Health Concerns
The unsettling name “earwig” is the source of the most persistent myth: that the insects actively seek out sleeping people to crawl into their ears, burrow into the brain, and lay their eggs. While the name derives from the Old English words for “ear creature,” this belief is demonstrably false and has no basis in science.
While it is theoretically possible for an earwig, like any small insect, to accidentally crawl into an ear canal, they have no specific attraction to human ears. Furthermore, they are incapable of burrowing through flesh into the brain. The actual health concerns related to earwigs are limited to nuisance issues.
Earwigs are considered a pest because they can damage garden plants, especially tender seedlings and soft fruits. If a large infestation occurs indoors, they can contaminate food or surfaces, but they are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Their presence in a home is typically a sign of excess moisture or an entry point that needs to be sealed.