Earwigs are common, nocturnal insects often viewed as household pests, especially when found indoors. They are recognizable by the pincer-like appendages (forceps) at the end of their abdomen. The sight of these distinctive rear pincers leads many homeowners to worry about property damage, particularly to clothing and textiles. Understanding the earwig’s true behavior and diet helps alleviate concerns about potential damage to belongings.
The Answer: Do Earwigs Damage Fabric
Earwigs are not considered fabric-destroying pests. Unlike clothes moths or carpet beetles, they lack the biological need to consume keratin or cellulose found in common textile fibers. They will not chew holes in wool, cotton, or synthetic fabrics. Any reported damage is exceptionally rare and incidental, not resulting from the insect feeding on the material itself.
Earwigs only interact with fabric if it is stained with organic matter, such as food residues or grease. They may also be drawn to mildew or mold on damp textiles, but they consume the fungi, not the fibers. Earwigs pose no threat to the structural integrity of your home, nor do they feed on wood, paper, or insulation materials.
The Actual Diet of Earwigs
Earwigs are omnivores and scavengers with a varied, opportunistic diet. Outdoors, they primarily feed on decaying organic matter, such as composting leaves, mulch, and other decomposing plant materials. This preference for detritus helps break down natural waste.
They also actively hunt and consume smaller invertebrates, including aphids, mites, and insect larvae, providing a beneficial element to garden ecosystems. However, they also feed on soft plant parts like seedlings and fruits, which gives them a reputation as garden nuisances. When indoors, they scavenge for spilled crumbs, pet food, or any mold or fungi thriving in high-moisture areas.
Why Earwigs Enter Homes
Earwigs migrate indoors because they prefer dark, cool, and moist environments. They seek refuge when outdoor conditions become inhospitable, such as during drought or excessive rain. The search for moisture is a major driver, leading them toward damp basements, crawl spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.
They gain entry through small openings like cracks in the foundation, gaps around utility lines, and poorly sealed windows or doors. Earwigs are also frequently brought inside accidentally via items stored outdoors, such as firewood or potted plants. Their presence inside typically indicates a localized moisture issue rather than a permanent indoor infestation.
Effective Control and Prevention Strategies
Controlling earwigs relies on eliminating their preferred moist habitats, both inside and outside the structure. Homeowners should focus on reducing moisture by fixing leaky faucets and pipes, ensuring gutters drain properly away from the foundation, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements. This makes the indoor environment less attractive for their survival.
Entry Prevention
To prevent entry, inspect and seal all potential access points using caulk or weatherstripping. Pay attention to gaps around windows, doors, and where utilities enter the home.
Habitat Removal
Outside, remove harborages such as piles of leaf litter, grass clippings, and excess mulch from directly against the foundation. Simple traps, such as a moistened rolled-up newspaper or a low-sided can filled with oil, can be placed overnight to capture and remove the insects.