Earwigs are common insects found in gardens and homes, recognized by their distinctive rear pincers. They prefer damp, dark places, seeking refuge under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or in moist soil during the day. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, earwigs are generally harmless to humans.
Earwig Characteristics and Behavior
Earwigs belong to the insect order Dermaptera, comprising about 2,000 species globally. Their abdominal pincers, known as cerci, serve multiple purposes, including defense against predators, grasping small prey, and assisting in mating rituals. Earwigs are primarily nocturnal, active at night to forage for food. During the day, they hide in small, moist crevices to avoid detection and desiccation.
Earwigs are omnivores, consuming a varied diet of decaying plant matter, fungi, algae, and other insects like aphids. They also scavenge on dead insects. Some species can feed on plants, including garden vegetables and flowers, though they are not typically considered major pests of healthy plants.
Dispelling Common Fears
Despite their appearance, earwigs pose no danger to humans. While they can pinch if threatened, any pinch is rare and typically causes only slight, temporary discomfort or a minor red mark. Earwigs are not venomous, do not sting, and do not transmit diseases to humans.
A common misconception is that earwigs crawl into human ears and lay eggs or bore into the brain. This is a baseless old wives’ tale, though the name “earwig” itself likely originated from such folklore. Earwigs have no biological interest in entering human ears, and instances of them doing so are extremely rare and accidental. Their natural habitat is damp soil and decaying matter, not the warm, waxy environment of an ear canal.
Managing Earwigs Around Your Home
Earwigs prefer moist environments, so reducing damp conditions around the home can help deter them. Repairing leaky plumbing, ensuring proper drainage away from the foundation, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements makes your home less appealing. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, around windows, and doors can prevent earwigs from entering your living spaces.
If earwigs are found indoors, they can be removed by sweeping or vacuuming. For outdoor areas, clearing away debris like leaf piles, mulch, and wood from around the foundation eliminates their hiding spots. Simple traps, such as rolled-up damp newspapers, can be placed in affected areas to collect earwigs for disposal. Natural repellents like diluted dish soap spray or essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus can deter them.