These insects are easily recognizable by their elongated shape, flat bodies, and forceps-like appendages called cerci. They are often reddish-brown to black and range from ¼ to 1 inch long. On the back, earwigs have two pairs of fully developed wings, but they rarely fly. These wings act more as a protective cover.
Earwigs have three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Here are a few quick facts about each:
It was once commonly thought that earwigs would crawl into the ears of sleeping people, tunnel to the brain, and lay their eggs. Some myths also added the notion that earwigs eat brains. We’re happy to say that this is not valid. They don’t eat brains, lay eggs inside humans, or possess the ability to tunnel through the auditory canal.
Earwigs do not bite humans. You might think they can hurt you because of their scary-looking pincers, but fortunately, they are only strong enough to give you a pinch. Moreover, earwigs are not aggressive or inclined to attack humans with their pincers.
Earwigs can live indoors, but it is unlikely. Earwigs prefer to live in environments that are conducive to survival and where food is abundant. When they come indoors, it is often by accident. Once inside, they’re drawn to dark and humid spaces. Keep this in mind if you go looking for them.
What attracts earwigs to my home?
Earwigs seek habitats that provide food and water, places to nest, and shade that will help them stay hydrated. Many yards offer all of these to some extent. We’ll elaborate on these in the following questions.
Earwigs eat plant and animal material. The staples of their diet are decaying organic matter, fungi, leaves, fruit, and vegetables. They also feed on small insects, larvae, and moth pupae.
In your yard, any moist, dark location will do. Earwigs often nest in soil underneath rocks, logs, leaf litter, mulch, and more. They usually make a small, shallow chamber underneath 2 to 3 inches of soil. In these excavated chambers, they lay their eggs.
When earwigs enter your home, you may find them in any dark or humid area on the ground floor or in the basement. They hide near moisture points, sinks, tubs, and water-damaged wood. You can expect them to go in and out of wall voids through gaps in baseboards and door frames.
Earwigs hide in most cracks, gaps, or holes. Near your home, they’ll hide under stones, pavers, walkways, stored items, or inside foundation cracks. When they come indoors, they’ll likely hide near moisture points, such as inside wall voids where pipes enter bathrooms or kitchens.
If you find earwigs in your bathroom, basement, or anywhere in your home, contact Four Seasons Pest Control for assistance. Our locally owned and operated pest control company offers home pest control services that eliminate and prevent insects from infesting homes in Danville, Moneta, Reidsville, and elsewhere throughout our two-state service area.
Here are a few ways you can discourage earwigs and other pests:
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