Earwigs are small, reddish-brown insects belonging to the order Dermaptera, recognized by the prominent, forceps-like appendages (cerci) extending from the rear of their abdomen. These insects are primarily nocturnal. They pose no threat to people and are generally only noticed when their daytime shelter is disturbed or they wander inside a structure. Locating them requires understanding their need for seclusion and moisture.
The Environmental Factors Earwigs Seek
The primary factor driving earwig location is their need to prevent desiccation, as they cannot survive in dry conditions. They are highly dependent on environments with high humidity and moisture levels to regulate their body water content. This physiological requirement means they constantly seek out damp, cool, and concealed spaces to rest during the daylight hours.
Since earwigs are nocturnal, they spend the day avoiding light and heat in dark crevices. They are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a diverse diet that includes decaying organic matter, molds, fungi, and small insects like aphids. The presence of this detritus provides both a consistent food source and the damp, protective cover they require for shelter.
Preferred Outdoor Shelters and Natural Habitats
In the outdoor environment, earwigs select resting sites that offer consistent moisture, darkness, and a tight fit for their flattened bodies. A prime location is within mulched garden beds, where the material retains ground moisture and provides ample decaying plant matter as a food source. They frequently congregate beneath landscaping timbers, paving stones, and bricks that lie directly on the soil, benefiting from the retained dampness and insulation.
Earwigs actively seek out shelters, especially when the yard becomes too warm or dry. Woodpiles and stacks of lumber are highly favorable habitats, as the close contact between pieces creates narrow, moist voids. Homeowners may also find high concentrations in dense ground cover, under leaf litter, or inside overturned objects such as empty flowerpots or doormats near the foundation.
Common Indoor Entry Points and Hiding Spots
Earwigs move into buildings primarily when external conditions become too harsh, such as during periods of drought, excessive heat, or heavy rain. They exploit any structural vulnerability that offers a path to the moderated, humid indoor climate. Common entry points include cracks in the foundation or concrete slab, unsealed utility pipe penetrations, and gaps around ground-level window frames.
Once inside, they migrate directly to areas that mimic their preferred outdoor conditions of high moisture and seclusion. Frequent hiding spots include basements, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms, particularly near floor drains or leaky plumbing fixtures that generate localized humidity. They may also be found concealed under sinks, behind baseboards, or within damp storage items like cardboard boxes.