Earwigs (order Dermaptera) are recognized by the prominent forceps-like pincers extending from their abdomen. Cockroaches (order Blattodea) are widely known as household pests. Because both insects are often found in similar environments, many people wonder if the earwig might prey on the cockroach. This article clarifies the nature of their relationship and details the true feeding habits of the earwig.
Earwigs and Cockroaches: Predator or Neighbor?
Earwigs are generally not considered natural or effective predators of adult cockroaches. The core answer to whether earwigs eat roaches is that it is highly unlikely to be a regular occurrence in the wild. Cockroaches are typically too large, too fast, and possess a robust exoskeleton that provides significant protection. A healthy, mature cockroach is a challenging target that an earwig’s mouthparts and pincers are ill-equipped to handle.
The earwig’s distinctive abdominal pincers, or cerci, are mostly used for self-defense, folding their wings, and mating rituals. While they can subdue prey, this is usually limited to smaller, softer-bodied invertebrates. An earwig might opportunistically attack a very young cockroach nymph that is soft after molting, or a severely injured roach. However, relying on earwigs to control a cockroach population is an ineffective strategy, as they do not actively hunt the larger pest.
What Earwigs Actually Eat
The earwig is an omnivore and a highly successful scavenger, consuming a wide variety of both plant and animal matter. A significant portion of their diet comes from decaying organic material, playing a role in decomposition. This includes rotting wood, mulch, compost, and dead leaves found in damp environments.
When acting as predators, earwigs specifically target small, slow-moving, and soft-bodied arthropods. Their preferred live prey includes common garden pests such as aphids, mites, and insect eggs, making them beneficial in some agricultural settings. They also feed on small caterpillars and larvae, favoring targets that offer less resistance to their chewing mouthparts.
Earwigs sometimes become pests themselves when their omnivorous nature leads them to feed on living plant tissue. They will consume seedlings, flowers, and soft fruits, often creating irregular holes in the leaves of plants like lettuce, celery, and clover. Their diverse diet and opportunistic feeding habits establish them as generalists in the ecosystem, ready to consume whatever food source is most readily available.
Shared Habitats, Different Behaviors
The belief that earwigs prey on roaches often arises because the two insects are frequently encountered in the same confined spaces. Both earwigs and cockroaches are primarily nocturnal creatures that seek out dark, sheltered conditions during the day. They share a strong preference for environments with high humidity and moisture, which drives their shared ecological niche. This brings them into close proximity without establishing a food chain link. Places like damp basements, crawl spaces, under sinks, and areas with leaky pipes satisfy the environmental needs of both species.