Pest Guide: Earwigs

(Order Dermaptera)

Earwigs got their name from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people’s ears and tunnel into their brains. The long cerci, or clippers, on their backsides easily identify an earwig.

Size	Color	Legs	Shape	Antenanae
1″	Dark Brown	6	Long, Narrow	True

Habitat

These insects live together outdoors in large numbers. They can be found under piles of lawn debris, mulch or in tree holes. They gain entry to a structure through exterior cracks

Habits:

Earwigs hide during the day and feeds on leaves, flowers, fruits, mold and insects at night.

Region:

Control / Prevention

Remove harborage sites such as leaf piles, mulch piles or other vegetation. Seal cracks and crevices well to prevent structural entry.

Threats:

Contrary to folklore, earwigs do not crawl into ears and eat peoples’ brains at night. They do not spread diseases, but their menacing appearance can be alarming to a homeowner.