What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are fascinating and often misunderstood insects. Despite their intimidating appearance and various myths surrounding them, earwigs play a unique role in the ecosystem. This article will explore what earwigs are, their physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat, and address common misconceptions about them. If you’re dealing with earwigs in your home and are unsure how to manage them, Pest Exterminators can help you eliminate the problem safely and efficiently.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs belong to the order Dermaptera, a group of insects with distinctive forceps-like pincers extending from their abdomen. These multifunctional pincers help in defense, capturing prey, and mating. Males’ pincers are more curved and robust than females’ straighter and slimmer pincers. Their length ranges from 5 to 25 millimeters, and earwigs are typically brown or black in color. Their bodies are elongated and slightly flattened, allowing them to hide in small crevices and narrow spaces, which helps them avoid predators and environmental troubles.

What do Earwigs Look Like?

Earwigs have wings, although not all species use them for flying. The front pair of wings, called elytra, are short and leathery. On the other hand, the hind wings are membranous and fold underneath the elytra when not in use. Despite having wings, most earwigs are not strong fliers and prefer to crawl.

When are Earwigs Most Active?

As nocturnal insects, earwigs are most active at night. They spend the daylight hours hiding in dark, moist environments, such as beneath rocks, logs, or piles of mulch and leaf litter. Their preference for damp, humid conditions means you might find them in basements, bathrooms, or other areas with high humidity. Earwigs venture out at night for food or more suitable habitat, so you may see them roaming around your home after dark.

What do Earwigs Eat?

Earwigs are omnivores and consume a variety of materials. They eat decaying plant matter, fungi, and even small insects, making them beneficial in gardens where they help control pest populations. However, earwigs also damage plants, particularly young seedlings and soft fruits. Their dual role in pest control and plant damage makes them an insect that must be managed carefully.

Where do Earwigs Live?

Earwigs are found worldwide, and different species are adapted to various climates and environments. They thrive in moist, sheltered habitats where food is easily accessible, and they can hide from predators. Gardens, forests, and fields are common places to find earwigs. They often seek refuge in damp basements, bathrooms, and kitchens in urban areas.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Earwigs have a relatively simple life cycle consisting of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Female earwigs lay their eggs in soil or other protected locations. Interestingly, earwigs show a degree of uncommon maternal care among insects. The female guards the eggs, protecting them from predators and fungus until they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs emerge. Nymphs resemble small adults but lack fully developed wings and pincers. They go through several molts, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow. With each molt, they come close to the adult form. During the nymph stage, they begin to develop the characteristic pincers and, in some species, wings.

Interaction with Humans

Earwigs often enter homes searching for food and shelter, especially during adverse weather conditions. They can be found in damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. While their presence can be alarming, earwigs are not harmful. They do not spread diseases, and their pincers are weak enough not to cause significant injury. In gardens, earwigs can be both beneficial and problematic. They help control pest populations by feeding on aphids and other small insects. However, they damage plants by chewing on leaves, flowers, and fruits. Managing their population involves maintaining a balance to leverage their pest control benefits while minimizing plant damage.

How to Control and Prevent Earwigs?

Reducing moisture levels is essential to prevent earwigs from entering your home. Fixing leaky pipes, using dehumidifiers, and ensuring proper ventilation can help. Blocking cracks and other entry points around doors, windows, and foundations can also prevent them from gaining entry. In gardens, reducing mulch depth and removing plant debris can minimize earwig habitats. Introduce natural predators such as birds and toads to help control earwig populations. If necessary, insecticidal sprays and traps can be used as a last resort to manage severe infestations. Understanding what earwigs are helps dispel the myths and appreciate their role in the environment. These unique insects, with their distinctive pincers and nocturnal habits, are an interesting part of the ecosystem, contributing both as pest controllers and decomposers. Our How to Get Rid of Earwigs Guide is a must-read for anyone struggling to manage earwigs in their home or garden.

Myths and Facts about Earwigs

There are many myths about earwigs that have contributed to their negative reputation. Below are some common misconceptions, along with the facts to set the record straight.

Myth	Fact
Earwigs crawl into ears and burrow into brains.	This is a myth; earwigs do not seek out human ears and are not interested in entering them.
Earwigs are dangerous and can bite humans.	Earwigs are not harmful to humans. They use their pincers for defense and capturing prey.
Earwigs only eat plants and cause garden damage.	Earwigs are omnivores and also consume pest insects, playing a beneficial role in gardens.
All earwigs can fly.	While some earwigs have wings, they are not strong fliers and typically prefer to crawl.
Earwigs are only found in homes.	Earwigs are found worldwide in various habitats, including gardens, forests, and fields.

 

Protect Your Home from Pest Infestations

Although pests may appear to be small annoyances, their presence can soon become a major problem. Pest Exterminators specialize in getting rid of pest infestations and keeping them from happening again. To ensure that pests have been eliminated permanently, our team of professionals applies safe, efficient treatments that target the entire infestation. We don’t just focus on the pests you can see, and we get to the root of the problem to ensure long-term results. If pests have made their way into your home or business, trust Pest Exterminators to handle the job with precision and care. Call us today to schedule your service.