Earwigs are insects identifiable by their elongated bodies and distinctive pincer-like appendages, known as cerci, located at the end of their abdomen. They typically measure between 1/4 inch to 1 inch in length. They commonly appear in shades of dark brown, black, yellow, or red, often with paler legs and antennae. While some earwig species possess wings, they generally prefer to crawl rather than fly, using their wings for short bursts or when disturbed.
Earwigs in Their Natural Environment
Earwigs are nocturnal, thriving in environments that offer consistent moisture and darkness. Their preferred natural habitats include areas under rocks, logs, and leaf litter, as well as within decaying wood and moist soil. These locations provide humidity and shelter.
These insects are omnivorous. In the wild, they consume decaying vegetation, detritus, and small insects such as aphids, mites, and insect eggs. Earwigs also play a role as scavengers, feeding on fungi and very small animal carcasses. This varied diet positions them as both decomposers, contributing to nutrient cycling in soil, and opportunistic predators within their ecosystems.
Earwigs contribute to the food web by serving as a food source for other animals, including birds and small predators. Female earwigs exhibit maternal care, laying clutches of 20 to 90 eggs in the soil and tending to them over winter, even cleaning them to prevent fungal growth.
Why Earwigs Enter Human Spaces
Earwigs primarily inhabit outdoor environments, but certain factors can compel them to seek refuge inside human dwellings. A significant trigger for this indoor migration is adverse weather conditions, such as prolonged dry spells or excessively wet periods. During droughts, earwigs seek moisture indoors, while heavy rains can oversaturate their outdoor habitats, driving them towards drier, elevated areas within homes.
The availability of moisture sources is a strong attractant for these insects. Leaky pipes, damp basements, crawl spaces, and overwatered indoor plants create environments that mimic their preferred outdoor conditions. They can also be accidentally brought inside with items like bundles of newspapers, boxes, or potted plants that were previously stored in damp outdoor areas.
Earwigs enter structures through small openings, exploiting cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Unscreened vents or access points into crawl spaces also serve as common entry routes. Once inside, they search for dark, damp crevices and hiding spots that offer shelter. While seeking refuge, they may also find indoor food sources such as small crumbs, decaying organic matter, or even houseplants.
Understanding Earwig Behavior and Impact
Earwigs are nocturnal, seeking hidden, dark places during the day to avoid light and desiccation. Their distinctive pincers, or forceps, at the rear of their abdomen, can appear intimidating. However, these pincers are generally harmless to humans and are primarily used for defense, capturing prey, and mating. They are not capable of breaking human skin.
A common misconception suggests that earwigs crawl into human ears to lay eggs; this is a myth without any factual basis. While they might accidentally wander into an ear canal like other small insects, they do not intentionally seek out ears for habitation or reproduction. Earwigs are not known to transmit diseases to humans.
In gardens, earwigs can have a dual impact. They are considered beneficial predators, consuming soft-bodied pests such as aphids, mites, and other small insect larvae, which can help control pest populations naturally. However, they can also cause damage to certain plants, particularly seedlings, soft fruits like strawberries and apricots, and the silks of corn, by chewing irregular holes in leaves or fruits. Their presence indoors is typically accidental.
Managing Earwig Presence
Reducing moisture around the home is an effective strategy for managing earwig presence. This involves fixing leaky pipes, ensuring proper drainage around the foundation, and cleaning gutters to prevent water accumulation. Using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces can also help eliminate the humid conditions earwigs prefer.
Sealing entry points into the home can significantly reduce the likelihood of earwigs entering. Inspecting and sealing cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and the foundation with caulk or weather stripping can block their access. Ensuring screens on windows and vents are intact also helps prevent their entry.
Removing potential hiding spots and food sources outdoors is another proactive measure. Clearing away leaf litter, wood piles, mulch, and other debris from around the home’s perimeter can reduce attractive habitats. Maintaining a tidy garden and keeping vegetation trimmed and away from the house foundation also helps deter earwigs from congregating near entry points.