Silverfish vs. Earwigs: How to Tell Them Apart

Silverfish and earwigs are two common household pests that are often confused due to their similar size and time of activity. However, they differ in appearance, behavior, and living conditions. 

Comparison Table: Silverfish vs. Earwigs

Feature	Silverfish	Earwigs
Appearance	Small, wingless, with a teardrop-shaped body covered in shiny, silver scales. They have long antennae and three bristle-like tails.	Brownish, elongated bodies with pincers (forceps) at the end of their abdomen. They have short wings but rarely fly.
Size	Typically 12-19 mm in length	Generally 12-25 mm long
Feeding Habits	Feed on carbohydrates like sugar, starch, and paper products	Omnivorous; feeds on plants, insects, and decaying organic matter
Living Habits	Prefer damp, dark areas like bathrooms and basements	Found in moist, dark environments, often outdoors under rocks, mulch, or logs, and occasionally indoors

Characteristics

Silverfish and earwigs are both nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Silverfish have a distinct metallic sheen, which makes them appear silver or gray under the light. Their bodies are flat and fish-like, allowing them to move quickly and slip into tight crevices. On the other hand, earwigs are darker, usually brown or reddish-brown, with a more segmented appearance. Their pincers are a defining characteristic, often sparking fear, though they are generally harmless to humans.

Appearance

Silverfish are easily recognizable by their teardrop-shaped bodies, covered in tiny, silver scales. Their antennae are long, and their three bristle-like tails are a unique feature. Earwigs, contrastingly, have elongated bodies with a pair of prominent pincers on their rear. These pincers are more intimidating than functional and are used primarily for defense and capturing prey. Unlike silverfish, earwigs have wings, though they rarely fly.

Feeding Habits

The diet of silverfish primarily consists of starchy materials. They are known for feeding on paper, glue, and fabrics, often causing damage to books, wallpaper, and clothing. They are particularly drawn to carbohydrates like sugar, which can make your pantry a potential hotspot. Earwigs, being omnivores, have a more varied diet. They feed on both plants and small insects, which makes them both beneficial and a nuisance, depending on where they are found. Outdoors and earwigs help control aphid populations, but indoors, they may feed on houseplants or scavenge for food scraps.

Living Habits

Silverfish thrive in humid environments and are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. They prefer dark, damp spaces where they can hide during the day and come out to forage at night. Their love for moisture often means that their presence is a sign of humidity issues in the home. Earwigs, while also preferring moisture, are more likely to be found outdoors. They hide during the day under rocks, mulch, or logs and come out at night to feed. However, they may enter homes during hot, dry weather in search of water. Indoors, they are typically found in similar locations as silverfish but are more commonly encountered in basements and crawl spaces. Silverfish vs. Earwigs: Myths and Facts

Myth	Fact
Silverfish are dangerous to humans.	Silverfish are harmless, though they can damage household items.
Earwigs crawl into people’s ears.	This is a myth; earwigs do not seek out human ears.
Silverfish indicate poor hygiene.	Silverfish are attracted to moisture, not dirt or neglect.
Earwigs use their pincers to sting.	Earwig pincers are for defense and capturing prey, not stinging.
Silverfish only live in bathrooms.	While common in bathrooms, silverfish can live anywhere in the home with high humidity.