Forficula auricularia, commonly known as the European earwig, is a widespread insect found in various environments. Originally from Europe, western Asia, and potentially North Africa, this species has successfully spread across North America, Australia, and New Zealand, adapting to numerous climates. While often considered a nuisance indoors, earwigs play a role in their ecosystems.
Identifying Forficula Auricularia
The European earwig has a distinctive appearance. Adults measure between 13 to 14 millimeters in length, excluding their prominent pincers. Their bodies are flattened and elongated, ranging in color from reddish-brown to dark brown, with a slightly brighter reddish head and pale yellow-brown legs. Their antennae are slender and beaded, composed of 14 segments.
The most notable feature of Forficula auricularia is the pair of pincer-like appendages, called cerci, located at the tip of their abdomen. These cerci exhibit sexual dimorphism; in males, they are larger, more strongly curved, and can measure from 4 to 9.5 millimeters in length. In contrast, female cerci are straighter and shorter, measuring 3 to 4.5 millimeters. Despite possessing hindwings folded beneath abbreviated forewings, earwigs rarely fly, usually climbing to an elevated position before attempting flight.
Habitat and Diet
Forficula auricularia thrives in cool, dark, and damp environments, often found outdoors beneath rocks, logs, leaf litter, and mulch. These insects are nocturnal, most active during the night. During the day, they seek sheltered places to hide, such as crevices in wood or under plant debris. When they venture indoors, they are frequently discovered in basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces, seeking out similar moist and secluded conditions.
European earwigs are omnivorous. Their diet includes decaying plant material, mosses, lichens, algae, and fungal spores. They also prey on soft-bodied insects like aphids, scales, caterpillars, maggots, and mites, which can make them beneficial in gardens by controlling pest populations. However, they can also feed on various plant parts, including buds, flowers, fruits, and leaves, sometimes causing damage to garden plants, fruits, and vegetables.
Dispelling Common Myths
One of the most persistent myths surrounding earwigs is the belief that they intentionally crawl into people’s ears and lay eggs or burrow into the brain. This notion lacks any scientific basis or evidence. The name “earwig” itself may have contributed to this misconception, possibly stemming from the resemblance of their hindwings to the shape of a human ear when unfolded.
While their prominent pincers may appear intimidating, European earwigs are harmless to humans. They rarely pinch, and if they do, the sensation is not painful, feeling more like a slight nip. These cerci are primarily used for defense or capturing prey. Addressing these myths helps to alleviate unnecessary fear and promotes a more accurate understanding of these insects.
Managing Their Presence
Managing the presence of Forficula auricularia often involves simple preventative measures. Reducing moisture around the home is a primary step, as earwigs are attracted to damp conditions. This can involve ensuring proper drainage, repairing leaky pipes, and improving ventilation in humid areas like basements and crawl spaces. Clearing away debris such as leaf litter, mulch, and woodpiles near the foundation of a home also eliminates potential hiding spots and breeding grounds for these insects.
Sealing cracks and openings in foundations, walls, and around windows and doors can prevent earwigs from entering indoor spaces. Simple trapping methods offer a non-toxic way to reduce their numbers. Rolled-up newspapers, cardboard tubes, or damp burlap sacks placed in areas where earwigs are found can serve as attractive shelters; these can then be collected and emptied daily. While earwigs can be a nuisance, professional pest control is rarely necessary, as their populations are often managed effectively with simple methods.