Earwig Bite: What Should I Do if Bitten by an Earwig?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Earwigs do not bite; they pinch with their pincers when threatened.
  • Their pinch is not venomous, does not spread disease, and rarely breaks the skin.
  • Signs of a pinch include redness, slight swelling, and minor discomfort.
  • Cleaning the area and applying antiseptic helps prevent infection.
  • Prevent earwigs by sealing entry points and reducing moisture.
maritime Earwigs are small, dark-colored insects with intimidating pincers at the ends of their bodies. Their appearance has led to many myths, including the idea that they crawl into people’s ears at night—a complete misconception! But one real concern people have is whether earwigs bite and what to do if bitten by one. If you’ve found an earwig in your home or yard and suspect it has bitten or pinched you, don’t panic. Earwig bites are not harmful and are more of a defensive response than an attack.

This Guide Covers:

  • Icon Do earwigs bite?
  • Icon Are earwig bites dangerous?
  • Icon How to identify an earwig bite
  • Icon What to do if you get bitten
  • Icon How to prevent earwigs in your home

Do Earwigs Bite Humans?

Technically, earwigs do not bite humans like mosquitoes or spiders do. Instead, they have forceps-like pincers (called cerci) that they use for self-defense. When provoked or handled, they may pinch, which can cause minor irritation but is not dangerous.

Why Do Earwigs Pinch?

  • Icon
    When threatened: If an earwig feels cornered, it may use its pincers in defense.
  • Icon
    When handled: Picking up an earwig with bare hands may provoke a pinch.
  • Icon
    When trapped: If an earwig gets stuck in clothing, bedding, or shoes, it may pinch out of panic.
earwig bites
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Earwig Pinch Facts

    Earwig bites (pinches) are not venomous, poisonous, or disease-transmitting. Here’s what you need to know:
  • Icon No venom or toxins – Unlike spiders, earwigs do not inject venom into the skin.
  • Icon No risk of disease – Earwigs are not known to spread diseases to humans.
  • Icon Low pain level – A pinch may feel uncomfortable but does not cause severe pain.
  • Icon Rarely breaks skin – Most earwig pincers are not strong enough to puncture human skin.
  • Icon Possible mild infection – If the skin is broken and not cleaned properly.

Signs of an Earwig Pinch

  • Icon Redness and mild swelling – The skin may appear irritated.
  • Icon Small pinch marks – Two tiny red dots or lines, unlike typical insect bites.
  • Icon Minor discomfort – A quick, light stinging sensation, fading quickly.
  • Icon Little to no itching – Unlike mosquito bites, earwig pinches rarely itch.

Steps to Treat an Earwig Pinch

  • Icon Wash the area with soap and warm water to remove bacteria.
  • Icon Apply hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol if the skin is broken.
  • Icon Use a cold compress or ice pack for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
  • Icon Apply hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel if irritation occurs.
  • Icon Monitor for infection – watch for redness, swelling, or pus.
  • Icon Avoid scratching to prevent further irritation or infection.

Do’s & Don’ts: Preventing Earwig Pinches

DO'S

  • Icon Seal entry points with caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows.
  • Icon Fix moisture issues by repairing leaky pipes and using a dehumidifier.
  • Icon Use yellow bug lights instead of bright white outdoor lighting.
  • Icon Remove leaf piles, mulch, and woodpiles from your home’s foundation.
  • Icon Use diatomaceous earth around entry points to repel earwigs naturally.

DON'TS

  • Icon Don’t ignore small cracks and gaps around your home’s foundation.
  • Icon Don’t leave damp items like towels or shoes outside overnight.
  • Icon Don’t leave porch lights on all night, as they attract earwigs.
earwigs lifecycle

When to See a Doctor for Earwig bites

  • Icon If the pinch site becomes increasingly swollen, warm, or filled with pus.
  • Icon If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, severe swelling).
  • Icon If red streaks appear, spreading from the bite site (a sign of infection).

Should You Worry About Earwig Bites?

No, earwig bites are NOT a major concern. Earwigs do not spread disease, and their pinches cause minor irritation at worst. With simple first aid and pest prevention, you can avoid these insects and their harmless pinches. If you feel things have gotten out of control, contact pest control professionals. Our team can customize a plan to protect your home effectively. Visit our Species, Control, and Earwig DIY Guide sections for additional resources on wasps and ways to tackle a wasp infestation. Prevention techniques might not be enough if you’re already dealing with an infestation in your home. Our pest control professionals provide a customized solution to protect your home effectively.

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