Earwigs have been linked to scary myths and unsettling stories for a long time. One of the most famous is the belief that earwigs crawl into people’s ears and dig into their brains while they sleep. But is there any truth to this? Let’s uncover the facts about earwig bites and see if these insects really threaten your ears.
Understanding Earwigs and Their Behavior
Earwigs are small, nocturnal insects that often hide in dark, damp environments. With elongated bodies and distinctive pincers (forceps) on their abdomens, they might look alarming, but they generally don’t harm humans.
Earwigs don’t act aggressively by nature. They mainly use their pincers for self-defence or hunting small prey like aphids. Despite their menacing appearance, earwigs aren’t interested in humans. However, the myth of earwigs invading human ears has persisted for centuries, causing unnecessary fear.
The Myth: Do Earwigs Really Go Inside Your Ears?
The idea that earwigs seek out human ears to burrow into has been around since at least the 16th century. The term “earwig” itself comes from the Old English words “ēare,” meaning ear, and “wicga,” meaning insect. This name likely fueled the belief that these insects enter human ears.
In reality, earwigs have no interest in human ears. While it’s possible for an earwig to accidentally crawl into someone’s ear—just as any small insect might—the chances of this happening are extremely low. Earwigs prefer dark, moist environments like under rocks, mulch, or decaying plant matter, not inside human ears.
What Happens If an Earwig Bites?
Earwigs don’t often bite humans, but they might if they feel threatened or are handled roughly. An earwig bite is not dangerous and usually feels like a mild pinch. Though their pincers look intimidating, they aren’t strong enough to cause significant harm.
If you get bitten by an earwig, you might see slight redness or swelling at the site, but it typically resolves on its own without the need for medical treatment. Washing the area with soap and water and applying an antiseptic can help prevent infection.
Dos and Don’ts When Dealing with Earwig Bites
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Wash the bite area with soap and water. | Panic or assume the bite is dangerous. |
| Apply an antiseptic to prevent infection. | Scratch or irritate the bite site further. |
| Use a cold compress if there’s swelling. | Ignore any signs of infection or unusual symptoms. |
| Monitor the bite for any infection. | Handle earwigs roughly, which may cause them to bite. |
