Pincher bugs, also known as earwigs, are common insects found in gardens and homes. Their distinctive pincers often spark curiosity about their diet. Understanding the varied diet of these nocturnal creatures can shed light on their role in different ecosystems and how they interact with human spaces.
Primary Food Sources
Earwigs are omnivorous, meaning they feed on both plant and animal matter, adapting their diet to available outdoor habitats. A significant portion of their diet consists of decaying organic materials, such as fallen leaves, rotting wood, and other plant debris, aiding in decomposition and nutrient cycling in the soil. They also consume fungi and algae, especially in damp conditions where these microorganisms thrive.
Beyond decaying matter, earwigs feed on a variety of live plant material. This includes tender leaves and stems of vegetables like lettuce, broccoli, and beans, as well as flowers such as marigolds, dahlias, and sunflowers. Soft fruits like strawberries, apricots, and peaches are also part of their diet, particularly if the fruit is already damaged or in contact with the soil. Their predatory nature extends to small insects and arthropods, including aphids, mites, and insect eggs, making them beneficial in controlling garden pests.
Opportunistic and Indoor Feeding
While earwigs primarily reside outdoors, they may occasionally venture into homes, seeking moisture or shelter, especially during dry periods or seasonal changes. Once indoors, their diet becomes opportunistic, as they consume any available household food sources. This can include various household foods such as crumbs, sweets, and grain products found in pantries.
Earwigs inside a home might also feed on indoor plants or even other small household insects. They are attracted to damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, where food sources might be more accessible. Their indoor presence is usually due to accidental entry, and they do not breed indoors due to unfavorable dry conditions.
Impact on Gardens and Homes
The feeding habits of earwigs have a dual impact on gardens and homes. Outdoors, they are considered beneficial insects due to their predatory consumption of garden pests like aphids, mites, slugs, and insect eggs. This natural pest control can help maintain a balanced garden ecosystem. They also contribute to soil health by breaking down decaying organic matter.
However, when earwig populations become substantial, their plant-eating tendencies can become problematic. They can cause damage to seedlings, soft fruits, and corn silks, leaving ragged holes in leaves and flowers. Indoors, while not causing structural damage, their presence can be a nuisance, particularly if they are found in food storage areas or in large numbers.