Earwigs (order Dermaptera) are recognized by the prominent, forceps-like pincers extending from their abdomen. These common garden and occasional household invaders are primarily nocturnal and seek shelter during the day. Their choice of habitat depends on the specific environmental conditions they require to survive and reproduce.
The Conditions They Crave
Earwigs are highly dependent on moisture, meaning they are hydrophilic and quickly dry out in arid conditions. They seek areas with high humidity and dampness, which is necessary for the survival of adults and their eggs. This often drives them indoors during dry spells or hot summer weather.
The insects are nocturnal, feeding and moving mostly at night, which means they must find dark, sheltered spots for daytime refuge. Earwigs exhibit thigmotaxis, preferring narrow, tight spaces that provide physical contact on multiple sides of their body. This preference leads them to hide beneath objects or deep within cracks and crevices. Their preferred dwelling spaces are defined by a combination of high moisture, darkness, and a physically confining structure.
Common Outdoor Locations
The primary, long-term habitats for earwigs are outdoors, specifically in areas that naturally retain high levels of moisture and provide abundant cover. Dense ground cover, such as ivy, thick weeds, or other shaded landscaping, creates a perfect environment by keeping the soil damp and dark. These insects commonly reside within organic debris, like thick layers of mulch, leaf piles, and compost, which offer both the necessary moisture and a steady food source of decaying plant matter.
Earwigs frequently hide under objects resting directly on the ground:
- Stones
- Bricks
- Boards
- Patio pavers
- Wood piles
The underside of outdoor potted plants and garden containers provides an especially cool, dark, and moist sanctuary. Around the exterior of a home, they are often found near foundations, especially where the soil is consistently damp, such as near exterior water spigots or poorly draining areas. The presence of these ideal conditions close to a structure’s perimeter significantly increases the chance of earwigs migrating inside.
Why and Where Earwigs Enter Homes
Earwigs enter dwellings when their outdoor environment becomes inhospitable, usually when weather turns too hot, dry, or cold. They are also sometimes inadvertently carried inside on items like firewood, newspapers, or potted plants. The insects are small and flat-bodied, allowing them to squeeze through tiny gaps to gain access to a building.
Their common entry points include cracks in the foundation, gaps around the seals of doors and windows, and openings around utility lines and pipes. Once indoors, earwigs seek out locations that mimic their natural, damp habitats, indicating that their presence often suggests a moisture problem. They are frequently found in:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Laundry rooms
- Bathrooms
They often hide under sinks or near leaky plumbing fixtures. Earwigs may also be discovered in areas with stored materials, such as in piles of newspapers, cardboard boxes, or under furniture.