The earwig is a common insect belonging to the order Dermaptera, distributed almost worldwide across every continent except Antarctica. They are recognized by their elongated, slender bodies, which usually range in color from reddish-brown to dark black. As primarily nocturnal insects, they spend their days hidden away in dark, moist environments. Earwigs are a relatively small order of insects, with just over 2,000 known species.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
The most identifiable feature of the earwig is the pair of pincer-like appendages, known as cerci, located at the rear of their abdomen. These cerci are heavily sclerotized and resemble forceps. Earwigs typically measure between 5/8 of an inch and two inches long, and their bodies are notably flattened, which allows them to easily squeeze into tight crevices and under debris.
The cerci show a clear difference between the sexes. Male earwigs possess stout cerci that are strongly curved and widely separated at the base, while females have appendages that are much straighter and more slender. Most earwigs have two pairs of wings, though the forewings are short and leathery, and the membranous hindwings are rarely used for flight. They are actively used for defense against predators, in mating rituals, and for grasping and manipulating prey.
Life Cycle and Natural Habitat
Earwigs prefer to live in cool, dark, and damp locations, frequently congregating under objects such as leaf litter, mulch, rocks, and paving stones. They are considered omnivorous scavengers, consuming a diverse diet that includes decaying plant matter and small arthropods. In the garden, they can be beneficial by preying on pests like aphids, but they also feed on tender vegetation, fruits, and flowers.
Female earwigs exhibit maternal care. After mating, the female excavates a small burrow underground where she deposits a clutch of 20 to 80 eggs, which she diligently guards. She cleans the eggs regularly to prevent fungal growth and protects them from predators. The mother continues to care for the newly hatched nymphs, which resemble small, wingless adults, until they have undergone their second molt and are capable of independent survival.
Reality of the Earwig Myth
The common name “earwig” is the source of ancient folklore suggesting these insects crawl into the ears of sleeping people. This tale is rooted in old European beliefs and may stem from a mistranslation of Old English words referring to the ear-like shape of the insect’s folded hindwings. The common belief claims the earwig burrows through the ear canal to lay eggs or bore into the brain.
While earwigs are attracted to dark, protected spaces, seeking refuge in a human ear is an extremely rare, accidental occurrence. They are not venomous and pose no threat of causing serious injury to people. The pincers, which look menacing, are incapable of breaking human skin. The primary functions of their cerci are defense, mating, and holding prey, not attacking people.
Earwigs as Household Pests
Earwigs are primarily outdoor inhabitants, but they become household pests when they move indoors seeking moisture and shelter, particularly during hot, dry weather. They typically enter structures through small cracks and crevices around foundations, doors, and windows. Once inside, they do not reproduce, but they become a nuisance, often found in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
The most effective management strategy involves environmental modification and exclusion techniques. Homeowners can reduce outdoor populations by eliminating damp hiding spots, such as removing excessive mulch, leaf piles, and debris near the foundation. Sealing entry points with caulk and weather stripping prevents them from migrating inside. Simple traps, like rolled-up newspapers or shallow containers of oil placed outdoors, can help reduce their numbers.