Earwigs are small, nocturnal insects characterized by prominent pincer-like appendages called cerci at the rear of their abdomen. Their intimidating appearance has fueled various myths, including the false belief they burrow into human ears. When earwigs are discovered near wooden structures, a common concern arises: are these insects silently damaging the integrity of the wood, similar to termites? This fear stems from their frequent presence in damp, dark areas often associated with structural materials.
The Simple Answer: Do Earwigs Consume Wood?
Earwigs do not consume sound, structural wood as a primary food source, meaning they are not considered a wood-destroying pest. Unlike xylophagous insects such as termites, earwigs lack the specialized gut microbes or enzymes required to break down the hard cellulose found in dry, healthy timber. This biological limitation prevents them from chewing through and digesting the solid wood that makes up a home’s framing or exterior.
When earwigs are found on wood, it is because the wood is already decaying or saturated with moisture, offering them a place to hide, not a meal. Their feeding habits center on much softer materials, making them a nuisance pest rather than a threat to your home’s structure.
The Earwig Diet: What They Truly Eat
Earwigs are highly opportunistic omnivores, meaning their diet is diverse, consisting of both plant and animal matter. They serve as scavengers and decomposers, actively consuming decaying organic debris like fallen leaves, fungi, and rotting plant material. This preference for soft, decomposing matter explains why they may occasionally feed on wood that is already soft and broken down by rot and moisture.
As predators, earwigs can be beneficial in gardens, preying on small, soft-bodied insect pests such as aphids, mites, and larvae. However, they will also consume tender, living plant tissues, including soft fruits, flowers, and young seedlings, particularly in moist conditions. This makes them a dual-natured insect that can be both helpful in managing pests and damaging to garden crops.
Why Earwigs Seek Out Wooden Areas
The primary factors attracting earwigs to wooden areas, such as firewood piles or damp structural wood, are environmental, not food-related. Earwigs are moisture-seeking insects that require high humidity to prevent desiccation, as they easily lose water through their cuticle. They are drawn to dark, cool, and damp environments for shelter, known as harborage.
Rotting or water-damaged wood naturally creates the necessary protected crevices where earwigs can hide during the day and lay their eggs. Firewood stacked against a foundation, thick layers of mulch, or wooden debris provide this ideal habitat. Their presence is a sign of excess moisture and suitable shelter, not an indication that they are actively boring into the wood.
Management and Control
Effective earwig management focuses on reducing the environmental conditions that attract them, primarily moisture and harborage sites. Reducing soil moisture around the perimeter of the house is a simple, yet effective deterrent.
Moisture Reduction
Start by addressing any sources of excess water, such as fixing leaky faucets or pipes. Ensure that gutters and downspouts direct rainwater at least ten feet away from the home’s foundation.
Eliminating Harborage
Eliminating hiding spots is a practical non-chemical approach to control. This involves:
- Moving firewood piles away from the house.
- Clearing leaf litter and organic debris.
- Keeping mulch layers thin and away from the foundation.
To prevent indoor entry, seal any visible cracks, gaps, or crevices around windows, doors, and utility entry points with caulk or weatherstripping.
Active Control
For active outdoor control, simple traps, like a shallow container sunk into the ground and filled with vegetable oil, can be used to capture and remove them.