Earwigs are small, slender insects that often evoke curiosity and concern when they appear inside homes. Their name, rooted in ancient folklore, suggests they crawl into ears, but this is merely a myth. Let’s find out why earwigs enter homes and how to prevent it.
Why Are Earwigs in My Home?
Earwigs typically live outdoors in moist, dark environments, such as under mulch, logs, or stones. However, they may wander indoors in search of food, shelter, or moisture, especially during extreme weather conditions. If your home has cracks, gaps, or other openings, earwigs can easily slip inside.
One of the main reasons earwigs enter homes is the search for moisture. They are drawn to damp areas like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Additionally, earwigs are nocturnal and often hide in cool, dark places during the day, making homes with similar conditions particularly attractive.
Seasonal changes can also influence earwig activity. In the warmer months, earwigs are more active outside, but as temperatures drop, they may seek refuge indoors. If you’ve recently seen an increase in earwigs, it might be due to a change in weather or environmental conditions around your home.
What Do Earwigs Look Like?
Recognizing an earwig is essential for proper identification and management. Earwigs are typically brown or black and measure about 5-25 millimetres in length. They have elongated, flat bodies with two prominent pincers (forceps) at the rear. These pincers, though intimidating, are mostly used for defence and mating purposes and are not harmful to humans.
Earwigs also have long antennae and two pairs of wings, although they rarely fly. Their unique appearance, especially the pincers, makes them easy to identify compared to other common household pests.
Why Are There Earwigs in My House?
When earwigs enter your home, they are often in search of food and shelter. Indoors, they might feed on organic material, such as decaying plant matter, small insects, or even crumbs left behind in the kitchen. If your home provides a suitable environment—dark, damp, and with ample food sources—earwigs may decide to stay.
Homes with gardens, flower beds, or heavy vegetation close to the foundation are more likely to experience earwig invasions. These outdoor areas are natural habitats for earwigs, and they can easily migrate from the garden to your home if conditions are right.
How to Keep Earwigs Away
Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Use outdoor lighting strategically: Earwigs are attracted to lights at night. Consider using yellow bug lights outdoors or reducing the use of outdoor lighting to make your home less attractive to these insects.
- Apply insect barriers: Consider using insecticides or natural repellents around the perimeter of your home, focusing on entry points and areas where earwigs are likely to hide.
- Regular cleaning: Regularly vacuuming and cleaning dark, damp areas of your home can help reduce earwig populations indoors.
Dos and Don’ts When Dealing with Earwig Bites
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Wash the bite area with soap and water | Do not scratch the bite, as it may cause infection |
| Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling | Avoid applying harsh chemicals to the bite area |
| Use over-the-counter antihistamines if needed | Do not ignore the bite if it worsens; seek medical attention if necessary |
| Keep the area clean and dry | Don’t panic; earwig bites are usually harmless |
| Monitor for signs of infection | Don’t apply untested home remedies |
