The common name “pincher bug” refers to the insect scientifically known as the earwig. These small, elongated insects are frequently encountered in gardens and sometimes indoors, causing concern due to their distinctive appearance. While they are a common sight across the globe, their alarming nickname and old superstitions have led to a misunderstanding of their true nature. The earwig is a relatively harmless, outdoor-dwelling creature that plays a significant role in the natural environment.
Defining Physical Characteristics
The most recognizable feature of the earwig is the pair of prominent, forcep-like appendages called cerci. These cerci give the insect its “pincher bug” moniker. Their shape helps distinguish the sex: in males, the cerci are more curved and robust, while the female’s cerci are straighter and shorter.
An adult earwig typically measures between one-quarter and one inch in length, with a long, flattened body that is generally dark reddish-brown or black. They possess six legs and a pair of thread-like antennae that can be about half the length of their body. Their forewings are short, leathery plates that cover a pair of membranous hindwings, which are rarely used for flight.
Natural Habitat and Diet
Earwigs are primarily nocturnal insects, seeking dark, cool, and moist environments to hide during the daylight hours. Their preferred outdoor habitats include areas under mulch, leaf litter, stones, and logs, which offer shelter and dampness. When they venture indoors, they are often found in moisture-rich locations like basements, laundry rooms, or under sinks.
These insects are omnivorous scavengers. They feed largely on decaying organic material, which makes them beneficial decomposers in the garden ecosystem. They will also consume soft-bodied insects like aphids, as well as tender plant parts, flowers, and ripe fruits, occasionally making them minor garden pests.
The earwig’s preference for moisture often drives them toward human structures, especially during hot or dry weather when outdoor conditions become less hospitable. They are not destructive inside a home and rarely establish large indoor populations. They do not survive long indoors due to the lack of sufficient food and moisture sources.
Threat Assessment and Common Misconceptions
The intimidating appearance of the cerci leads many people to believe the earwig is a dangerous pest. The pincers are used for defense against predators, for folding their delicate hindwings, and during courtship and mating. When an earwig feels threatened, it may attempt to pinch a person’s skin, but the force is not strong enough to break the skin.
A pinch from an earwig is harmless, feeling like a mild, momentary sting. The insects are not venomous and do not transmit diseases to humans or pets. The most persistent myth surrounding these creatures is the ancient belief that they crawl into the ears of sleeping people to lay eggs or bore into the brain. This folklore is entirely unfounded, and earwigs have no interest in seeking out human ears.
Basic Home Management
Managing earwigs around the home focuses on eliminating the dark, damp conditions that attract them. Reduce moisture accumulation both inside and outside the structure by repairing leaky faucets and pipes, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas like crawl spaces and basements.
Homeowners should focus on exclusion by sealing cracks or gaps in the foundation, around windows, and near utility entry points where the insects can slip inside. Outdoors, remove potential hiding spots by keeping mulch, leaf piles, and other organic debris pulled back at least a foot from the foundation. Simple traps, such as a shallow can containing a small amount of oil sunk into the soil, can also be effective for capturing earwigs near problem areas.