Earwigs

What do earwigs look like?

Earwigs have three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. An earwig egg is about 1 mm long and cream, tan, or pearly white in coloration. When the egg hatches, the earwig emerges as a nymph. Most earwigs are dark brown with six yellow legs because that is the coloration of the predominant species. Nymphs look like adult earwigs in shape and form but do not have wings. They have two long antennae that shoot straight out, six legs, and two pincers on the end of the abdomen. In its adult stage, an earwig is about 1 inch long and is quite intimidating to look at. It has an elongated body, small wings on the thorax, and pincers on the end of the abdomen.

What do earwigs eat?

An earwig has an omnivorous diet. It can feed on a wide range of plant and animal matter, including:

• Lichens
• Moss
• Algae
• Fungi
• Roots
• Tubers
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Oates
• Bran
• Leaves
• Flowers
• Insects
• Spiders
• Mites
• Larvae
  

Some earwigs are a benefit because they hunt aphids and other plant-damaging insects. Some are problematic because they feed on living plants in gardens, greenhouses, and crop fields.

Are earwigs dangerous?

There are many myths associated with earwigs. You may know about one of them. It is said that earwigs get into the ear canal, lay eggs, and then their offspring tunnel to the brain. We're happy to say that earwigs don't do any of these things. The ear canal of a human does not contain a food source for emerging hatchlings, so a female earwig has no reason to lay eggs in a human's ear. Furthermore, neither the nymphs nor the adults can tunnel to the brain of a human. What about the pincers on an earwig? Are those things dangerous? No. Earwigs' pincers are far too weak to pierce the skin of a human.

Where do earwigs hide?

These insects are attracted to dark and cool environments that provide food resources. Here are a few specific examples of where you might find earwigs and why you might find them there:

• You may find earwigs roaming around in an unhealthy garden or landscaping. They prefer soft plant material and will target unhealthy plants first.
• You may find them living in a crawl space underneath a home. They like the dark, cool, and dirty environment of a crawl space. So do many other creatures that earwigs eat. Therefore, it is a food-rich environment for them.
• You may see them crawling on a compost pile, which contains soft plant material and insects for them to feed on.
• You may notice them exploring a trash receptacle. There are many food options inside a trash bin.
• You may catch them hiding underneath boards or branches. These items protect from the hot sun.
• You may find them hiding in a laundry basket. Any dark, humid habitat is perfect for an earwig.
• You may discover them tucked in a stack of damp cardboard or newspaper. An earwig finds hiding in cardboard and paper habitats particularly inviting. For this reason, it is possible to craft an earwig trap out of a toilet paper roll or a rolled-up newspaper.
  

Earwigs are strongly motivated by habitat preference. On a hot day, they're often driven indoors to cool, dark spaces. Once they get inside, you will likely find them hiding between objects in tight spaces.

Is it bad to have earwigs in your house?

It depends on how many earwigs you have. A few earwigs will not cause much trouble, but you should heed their presence in your home, as they indicate that your house may have a moisture issue. We recommend scheduling a pest inspection; after all, if earwigs are getting inside, what else is?

What conditions attract earwigs?

Moisture is the greatest attractant for earwigs. Here are a few specific examples of how damp conditions can bring these insects close to your home:

• Dampness accelerates plant decay, and earwigs eat plants softened by decay.
• Damp habitats offer earwigs hydration and cooler temperatures.
• Many bugs are attracted to damp habitats, and earwigs eat those bugs.
  

Inspect your property and consider the factors that increase dampness, such as obstructed gutters, dense landscaping, tall grass, leaky spigots, and damaged water hoses.

How do I get rid of earwigs?

If you’ve noticed earwigs in your bathroom or elsewhere in your home, contact Marathon Pest Control for assistance. Our locally owned and operated pest control company provides ongoing home pest control services targeting earwigs and insects!

Can I prevent an earwig problem?

Managing moisture issues, debris removal, and dedicated sanitation can help you keep earwigs away. Combine these with pest-proofing, and you can win the battle against earwigs in most cases. A year-round pest control service plan is the way to go to prevent earwigs and the pests they eat from infesting. Contact Marathon Pest Control for details.