Earwigs, with their elongated bodies and rear pincers, have long been the subject of a persistent myth that they intentionally crawl into the ears of sleeping people. This belief suggests the insect seeks to burrow into the brain or lay its eggs within the inner ear canal. This myth is rooted in ancient folklore rather than modern biological fact. Understanding the earwig’s true nature and behavior helps alleviate this anxiety.
The Truth Behind the Name
Earwigs do not seek out human ears and rarely, if ever, enter them. The name “earwig” is thought to derive from the Old English words ēare (ear) and wicga (insect or wiggler), which is responsible for the enduring myth. The suggestion that they burrow into the brain to lay eggs is entirely false, as they have no biological drive to enter human anatomy.
One theory for the name’s origin lies in the appearance of the insect’s hindwings, which are unique. These thin, membranous wings must be carefully folded beneath the short, leathery forewings, and when fully unfolded, they resemble the shape of a human ear. Alternatively, the name may reference the ancient European superstition that the insect would deliberately enter the ear canal. If an insect is found in a human ear, it is almost always an accidental entry by an earwig seeking a dark, secluded place.
Understanding Earwig Behavior
Earwigs are members of the insect order Dermaptera, and their biology explains why they have no interest in human ears. They are nocturnal, spending their days hiding in cool, dark, and damp environments. These insects thrive in places like leaf litter, mulch, under rocks, or within the crevices of rotting logs, as they require high moisture levels to survive.
The distinctive forceps-like pincers, known as cerci, are located at the end of the abdomen. These appendages are specialized tools used for self-defense, folding their large hindwings, and courtship rituals. The cerci are not designed to bore through skin or bone. While a large species may deliver a slight defensive pinch if handled, they pose no threat of serious harm to humans.
Earwigs are omnivorous scavengers with a diet consisting mainly of decaying plant matter and small insects. They help control pests by feeding on aphids, mites, and insect eggs, but they will also occasionally consume tender plant shoots or ripe fruit. Their preference for organic debris and moisture-rich environments indicates that a warm, dry human ear canal does not offer the shelter or sustenance required for survival.
Keeping Earwigs Out of the Home
Since earwigs are attracted to moisture and shelter, managing the environment around the home is the most effective method for prevention. A primary step is to reduce outdoor harborages close to the foundation where the insects congregate during the day. This involves pulling back mulch, decorative stone, and soil at least 12 to 18 inches from the home’s perimeter.
Eliminating debris like wood piles, compost heaps, and dense leaf litter near the house removes the dark, damp hiding spots earwigs seek. It is also important to ensure that gutters and downspouts are functional and direct water away from the foundation to prevent moisture accumulation near entry points.
Reducing moisture indoors is equally effective, which can be accomplished by fixing leaky plumbing and using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces. Finally, sealing entry points with caulk, repairing cracks in the foundation, and ensuring door sweeps and window screens are intact will block the narrow crevices earwigs use to enter the structure.