What Do Earwigs Do?

Earwigs are often misunderstood creatures. They are identified by their pincers and elongated bodies. 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.

What Do Earwigs Do? 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. Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on earwigs and ways to tackle an earwig infestation.

Why Are Earwigs Called Earwigs?

The term earwig comes from the Old English word ēarwicga, which translates to ear creature.
This name likely originated from the superstition that earwigs crawl into ears while people sleep.

Scientific evidence shows no behavior indicating that earwigs intentionally crawl into human ears.

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What Do Earwigs Do To Humans?

How to Prevent Earwigs in Your Home

Eliminate Moisture Sources: Eliminate moisture by fixing leaks, improving drainage, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
Seal Entry Points: Fix gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and foundations to block entry points.
Remove Nearby Debris: Remove debris, such as mulch, leaves, and wood piles, near the home’s foundation.
Trim Vegetation: Trim vegetation and keep plants at least a few inches away from the walls.
Direct Water Away: Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the house.
Use Weatherstripping: Use weatherstripping around doors and windows for a tighter seal.

Are Earwigs helpful?

Earwigs play a surprisingly beneficial role in gardens. Earwigs are helpful in controling 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. 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.

How to Prevent Earwigs in Your Home

Eliminate moisture by fixing leaks, improving drainage, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
Fix gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and foundations to block entry points.
Remove debris, such as mulch, leaves, and wood piles, near the home’s foundation.
Trim vegetation and keep plants at least a few inches away from the walls.
Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the house.
Use weatherstripping around doors and windows for a tighter seal.

Prevention techniques might not be enough if you’re already dealing with an earwigs infestation in your home. Our pest control professionals provide a customized solution to protect your home effectively. Get a free estimate today!