Earwigs are common insects, easily recognized by the large, pincer-like appendages (cerci) extending from the rear of their abdomen. Belonging to the order Dermaptera, their distinctive appearance led to the widespread but false belief that they crawl into human ears to lay eggs. Earwigs are nocturnal pests that seek out dark, damp, and tight crevices during the day. This often brings them into close proximity to human dwellings and the moist conditions found in basements or bathrooms.
Are Earwigs Wood Destroyers?
Earwigs do not consume sound wood and are not considered structural pests that threaten the integrity of homes. Unlike termites or carpenter ants, earwigs lack the necessary mandibles and gut microbes to chew through or digest hard, dry structural lumber. They are physically incapable of tunneling into solid wood or causing damage associated with wood-boring insects.
The presence of earwigs near wood, such as under logs or firewood piles, is a search for shelter and moisture, not food. They hide in tight, dark spaces to escape sunlight and maintain the high humidity levels they require to survive. Seeking harborage in moist environments often leads to their accidental entry into homes through foundation cracks or gaps.
If earwigs are found around wooden structures, it often signals a pre-existing issue like water-damaged wood or fungal decay. They are attracted to wood that is already softened and decomposing because it holds moisture and provides a source of decaying plant matter. Therefore, their presence indicates a moisture problem but not the cause of the wood destruction itself.
The Earwig Diet: What They Actually Consume
Earwigs are omnivorous scavengers, meaning their diet consists of both plant and animal matter. A large portion of their consumption is decaying organic material, which makes them beneficial decomposers in the outdoor environment. They regularly feed on mulch, fallen leaves, compost, and rotting vegetation, contributing to the recycling of nutrients back into the soil.
Their diet also includes live organisms, and they act as occasional predators in the garden ecosystem. Earwigs prey on soft-bodied insects like aphids, mites, and insect larvae, using their abdominal cerci to help hold victims. This predatory role helps control populations of some common garden pests.
Earwigs will also consume tender plant parts, especially when preferred food sources are scarce. They can damage young seedlings, flowers, and soft fruits like strawberries by chewing irregular holes in the foliage and petals. This tendency to feed on tender new growth makes them a nuisance pest for gardeners.
Controlling Earwigs Around the Home
Outdoor Management
Managing earwigs begins by eliminating the damp, cluttered environments they seek for daytime shelter. Reducing moisture near the home’s foundation is the most effective preventative measure. Ensure that rain gutters and downspouts direct water far away from the structure, and promptly repair any leaky faucets or irrigation systems that saturate the soil.
Removing potential hiding places is necessary for reducing earwig populations. Piles of firewood, stones, boards, and excessive leaf litter should be moved away from the house perimeter. Keep landscaping materials like mulch pulled back at least 6 to 12 inches from the foundation to create a dry, exposed zone that earwigs will avoid.
Adjusting outdoor lighting can further discourage them from congregating near entry points. Earwigs are attracted to bright lights, so switching porch lights to yellow LED bulbs makes the area less appealing. This reduces the likelihood of them gathering near doors and windows where they might accidentally wander inside.
Indoor Management
Preventing earwigs from entering the home involves physical exclusion and moisture control. Seal all visible cracks and crevices in the foundation, especially where utility lines or pipes enter the house. Inspect and repair weatherstripping around doors and windows to ensure a tight seal that blocks small insects.
Inside the house, earwigs are typically found in areas with high humidity, such as basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Using a dehumidifier in damp areas significantly reduces the moisture levels that attract them indoors. Repairing any leaking pipes or faucets immediately removes the water source that allows them to survive.
If earwigs are found inside, they can be easily removed by vacuuming them up and disposing of the vacuum bag outside. Setting simple traps, such as a rolled-up damp newspaper or a shallow container of vegetable oil and soy sauce, can also capture them. These non-chemical methods provide a direct way to reduce the number of earwigs.