Earwigs are small insects characterized by the prominent pincer-like appendages on their abdomen. They are a common sight in gardens and damp areas. These creatures belong to the order Dermaptera and are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are active at night and seek refuge during the day. Earwigs are profoundly dependent on moisture for their survival. This reliance means that finding an earwig often serves as a reliable indicator of a dark, cool, and damp microenvironment nearby.
Why Earwigs Require High Humidity
The intense need earwigs have for moisture is rooted in their biology and physical structure. Like all insects, they possess an exoskeleton, but earwigs are particularly susceptible to losing water through their body surface. This vulnerability means they face a constant threat of desiccation, or extreme drying out, if they remain in low-humidity conditions for too long. To counteract this physiological challenge, earwigs are forced to spend their daylight hours in places where the air is nearly saturated with moisture, a direct survival mechanism that helps maintain their necessary internal water balance.
Outdoor and Indoor Moisture Sources
Earwigs transition from a biological need for water to seeking out specific environmental locations that satisfy this need. Outdoors, they thrive in areas where moisture is trapped and shade is abundant, often congregating under organic debris and decaying matter. Common hiding spots include:
- Under mulch
- Beneath rocks and boards
- Inside woodpiles
- In dense leaf litter
They are also frequently found around outdoor plumbing, such as leaky faucets, near air conditioning units that produce condensate, and in poorly draining soil along house foundations.
Earwigs are mainly outdoor insects, but they will enter homes when outdoor conditions become unfavorable, typically seeking refuge from prolonged drought or oversaturated soil. Once inside, they gravitate toward areas that replicate their naturally damp habitat. This includes basements, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces, which often have higher ambient humidity levels. They are also drawn to areas with direct water sources, such as bathrooms and kitchens, particularly under sinks or near leaky pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Managing Earwigs by Controlling Water
Because earwigs are so reliant on moisture, the most effective long-term method for managing their populations is by modifying their environment to be less hospitable. This strategy focuses on reducing the availability of standing water and high humidity both inside and outside the structure.
Exterior Moisture Management
Start by ensuring all gutters and downspouts are clear and properly channel water at least several feet away from the building’s foundation. Addressing exterior moisture involves fixing any leaky outdoor faucets or irrigation systems that contribute to damp soil near the home. Landscaping adjustments can also help, such as pulling back thick mulch layers and removing leaf piles and other organic debris that trap moisture against the foundation.
Interior Moisture Management
For interior spaces, using a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces will actively reduce the air’s humidity, making the environment less appealing to earwigs. Finally, sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, door thresholds, and window frames prevents these pests from easily accessing any indoor moisture sources.