Key Takeaways
- Earwigs are harmless scavengers that feed on dead plant matter and insects.
- They do not crawl into ears or pose any significant health risks.
- Indoors, they’re simply seeking moisture, not trying to infest your home.
- In small numbers, earwigs can be beneficial for gardens by consuming pests.
- Use traps, seal entry points, and reduce indoor moisture to deter them.
- Seek professional pest control for persistent or large infestations.
Ever found a small, flat insect with pincers crawling across your floor and thought—What is that thing doing here? Chances are, you’ve just had a visit from an earwig. Earwigs are often misunderstood creatures. They are identified by their pincers and elongated bodies. And no, it’s not looking for your ear.
These critters often get a bad rap, primarily because of their name and those intimidating-looking tails. But honestly? They’re not as scary—or harmful—as most people think. But what do earwigs do, and should you be worried about them? Let’s find out more about earwigs, their behavior, why earwigs are called earwigs, and methods to prevent earwig infestation in your home.
Think earwigs might be finding their way inside your home? Schedule your Free Pest Inspection today, and let our experts identify and handle any earwig concerns quickly and effectively.
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Get your free pest control estimate today!What Do Earwigs Do?
Earwigs are nighttime scavengers. That means they come out after dark to eat whatever’s available. Earwigs commonly live in gardens, under stones, mulch, or in the damp corners of basements. The belief that earwigs crawl into ears and burrow into brains is a myth. While their name may suggest this behavior, there’s no evidence to support it. Instead, they are primarily scavengers, feeding on decaying organic matter, other insects, and plants. Despite their fearsome appearance, earwigs are not aggressive toward humans. Their pincers, or cerci, are used mainly for defense against predators and to assist in capturing prey. Earwigs rarely harm humans. A pinch from their pincers may cause slight discomfort but is not medically significant. They are not known to transmit diseases or cause allergic reactions. Most of the time, they’re just helping break down organic matter. In small numbers, earwigs are suitable for your garden. They help control pest bugs and clean up decaying plants. But—and it’s a big but—when their numbers grow, or their favorite foods run low, they may turn on your flowers, herbs, or vegetables. That’s when they go from helper to pest. Visit our Species, Earwigs Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on earwigs and ways to tackle an earwig infestation.
Their Diet Includes
- Dead leaves and decaying plant material
- Small insects such as aphids and mites
- Mold, moss, and various types of fungi
- Ripe fruit and young plants during food shortages
Why Are Earwigs Called Earwigs?
- The name comes from the Old English term “ēare-wicga,” meaning “ear creature.”
- It originated from the myth that earwigs crawl into ears and lay eggs in the brain.
- There’s no scientific evidence that earwigs intentionally enter human ears.
- Earwigs do not seek out humans or lay eggs in people—they prefer damp, dark places like gardens.
Why Are Earwigs in My House?
Earwigs live outdoors. But they sneak indoors when their shelter gets too hot, dry, or wet—especially during summer storms or droughts. They look for:- Cool, moist areas
- Darkness
- Tight spaces to hide in
- Moist soil or standing water
- Mulch piled up near the foundation
- Dead leaves or wood stacked close to walls
- Bright outdoor lights at night
How to Prevent Earwigs in Your Home
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Eliminate Moisture Sources: Eliminate moisture by fixing leaks, improving drainage of your gutters, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas. As Less moisture = fewer earwigs. -
Seal Entry Points: Fix gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and foundations to block entry points. Install door sweeps and fix broken screens. Even a small gap is enough for an earwig to squeeze through.
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Remove Nearby Debris: Remove debris, such as mulch, leaves, and wood piles, about a foot away from your walls near the home’s foundation . These are their favorite hiding spots.
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Trim Vegetation: Trim vegetation and keep plants at least a few inches away from the walls.
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Direct Water Away: Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the house.
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Use Weatherstripping: Use weatherstripping around doors and windows for a tighter seal.
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Use Light: Bug lights (yellow bulbs) are less attractive to earwigs. You can also just keep porch lights off when not needed.
Are They Dangerous?
No, Not really. Those scary-looking pincers? They’re used to defend themselves or to impress other earwigs, especially during mating season. They’re not strong enough to hurt humans. If you corner one, it might try to pinch—but it rarely even breaks the skin. And no, they don’t have venom. They also don’t bite, sting, or carry disease. Even if your pet eats one, there’s no danger—just an odd snack. So, are earwigs harmful? Only to plants in large numbers. To you and your family, they’re more gross than dangerous.
Are Earwigs helpful?
One may not like them, but Earwigs play a surprisingly beneficial role in gardens. Earwigs are helpful in controlling garden pests like aphids, mites, and other small pests by feeding on them. Additionally, their diet includes dead plant material, which aids in the decomposition process, enriching the soil. In this way, earwigs contribute to the health of the ecosystem, making them more of a friend than a foe in many garden environments. They also feed on birds and frogs. However, when their populations grow excessively, earwigs can become a problem. They might start feeding on seedlings, flowers, and soft fruits, causing noticeable damage. In such cases, managing their numbers becomes essential to protect garden plants. If you feel things have gone out of control, it is advised to Contact Pest Control Professionals. Our team can provide a customized approach to protect your home effectively.
Effective Removal Methods for Earwigs from Your Home
- Earwigs can become unwelcome visitors in your home, particularly in damp and dark areas. To effectively remove earwigs, follow these proven methods:
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Use Natural Traps: Place rolled-up damp newspapers or tubes near earwig activity overnight. You can also use shallow dishes of vegetable oil mixed with soy sauce to lure and trap them. -
Apply Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along foundations, entry points, and damp areas to dehydrate and kill earwigs naturally.
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Vacuuming: Quickly remove earwigs with a vacuum cleaner and dispose of the contents immediately to prevent re-entry.
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Chemical Treatments: Use insecticides specifically labeled for earwig control if natural methods fail. Always follow safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
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Professional Pest Control: For persistent or large infestations, hire pest control professionals for targeted treatment and long-term prevention.
