Earwigs are common insects often encountered in and around homes, recognizable by their distinctive appearance. They belong to a diverse group of invertebrates found across various environments worldwide.
What is an Earwig?
Earwigs are insects belonging to the order Dermaptera, a name derived from Greek words meaning “skin wings,” referencing their leathery forewings. These insects typically have elongated, flattened bodies, ranging from 7 to 50 millimeters in length. Their coloration usually varies from pale brown to reddish-brown or black.
A distinguishing feature of earwigs is the pair of prominent, forceps-like appendages called cerci located at the rear of their abdomen. These cerci can appear intimidating. Earwigs also possess two pairs of wings, with the membranous hindwings neatly folded beneath short, hardened forewings, though many species rarely fly.
Where Do Earwigs Live and What Do They Eat?
Earwigs are widely distributed across all continents except Antarctica, thriving in environments that offer moisture and shelter. Outdoors, they commonly inhabit damp, dark places such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, mulch, and in soil. They are primarily nocturnal, seeking refuge in these crevices during the day and becoming active at night.
When outdoor conditions become too dry or wet, earwigs may seek shelter indoors, often found in basements, bathrooms, or other areas with elevated humidity. Earwigs are omnivores with a varied diet. They consume decaying organic matter, fungi, algae, and small insects like aphids, mites, and caterpillars, making them beneficial predators in gardens.
Are Earwigs Harmful?
Earwigs are generally not harmful to humans or pets. Their pincers, while capable of grasping, are not venomous and rarely break human skin. If a pinch occurs, it typically causes only minor discomfort.
Earwigs are not known to transmit diseases to humans or animals. While they can be a nuisance when they enter homes, they pose a greater potential impact on garden plants, where they may chew on young seedlings, leaves, flowers, or soft fruits.
Common Myths About Earwigs
One of the most persistent myths about earwigs is their supposed tendency to crawl into human ears and burrow into the brain to lay eggs. This belief has no scientific basis and is entirely false. The name “earwig” likely originated from an Old English term, possibly referring to the shape of their hindwings resembling a human ear or a historical, unfounded superstition.
While rare anecdotal reports exist of earwigs being found in an ear canal, such occurrences are accidental and do not involve intentional burrowing or egg-laying.
Managing Earwigs Around Your Home
To discourage earwigs from becoming a nuisance around the home, focus on reducing moisture and eliminating their preferred hiding spots. This involves repairing leaky faucets and pipes, ensuring proper drainage around the foundation, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.
Removing outdoor debris such as leaf piles, excess mulch, and old logs from around the house can also reduce their habitat. Sealing cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations prevents entry into the home. Simple traps, such as rolled-up damp newspapers or containers with oil and soy sauce, can also help manage populations.