Earwigs are small, reddish-brown insects identified by the prominent pair of pincer-like appendages, called cerci, extending from the rear of their abdomen. They are primarily nocturnal and seek out dark, damp environments, such as under logs, in mulch, or beneath stones, making them common garden dwellers. Earwigs pose minimal health risk to humans and are generally considered nuisance pests.
The Truth About Earwigs and Disease
Earwigs are not recognized as vectors for transmitting human diseases, setting them apart from insects like mosquitoes or ticks. There is no scientific evidence suggesting they carry or spread human pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites, in a way that causes illness. Their lifestyle and feeding habits do not involve contact with sources of harmful microorganisms that could then be passed on to people.
The primary diet of an earwig is omnivorous, consisting mainly of decaying organic matter, plant material, and sometimes small insects like aphids. This scavenging behavior differs significantly from the blood-feeding or parasitic habits required for disease transmission in public health pests. While any insect can carry environmental microorganisms on its surface, earwigs do not engage in activities that make them effective carriers of infectious agents. They are considered harmless to human health, with the main threat they pose being damage to garden plants.
Addressing Common Earwig Myths and Physical Interactions
The common name “earwig” originates from an old folk tale suggesting the insect crawls into the ears of sleeping people. This myth, which sometimes includes claims of earwigs burrowing into the brain, is entirely without scientific basis. Earwigs are attracted to tight, dark spaces, but instances of them accidentally entering an ear canal are extremely rare.
The intimidating pincers, or cerci, on their abdomen are used primarily for defense, mating rituals, and occasionally capturing prey. If handled or threatened, an earwig may attempt to use these pincers on human skin, resulting in a minor pinch. The muscles controlling the cerci are not strong enough to break the skin in most cases. The pinch is non-venomous, causing only slight irritation or temporary discomfort.
Prevention and Management
Since earwigs are attracted to moisture and dark cover, managing their environment is the most effective way to prevent them from entering a home. Reducing damp conditions around the foundation is a good starting point. Earwigs often enter structures when the outdoor environment becomes too dry or hot, seeking a more humid refuge indoors.
Sealing potential entry points into the home is another highly effective measure for nuisance control. This includes:
Repairing cracks and crevices in the foundation.
Installing tight-fitting door sweeps.
Ensuring screens on windows and vents are intact.
Clearing debris like leaf piles, mulch, and stored wood that provide shelter.
If earwigs are found indoors, they can be removed simply by sweeping or vacuuming them up, as they typically will not survive long inside due to a lack of suitable food and moisture. For severe outdoor infestations, non-chemical control methods like setting oil pit traps or rolled-up newspaper traps can help reduce the population.