Earwigs
Identification
Earwigs are brown or black with reddish-brown heads and legs.
As for their size, earwigs typically range from 5 to 16 mm in length.
Earwigs are characterized by their two pairs of wings and pincers at the end of their abdomen. The body structure of earwigs is similar to that of other insects, consisting of three main parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen.
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Earwigs are small insects recognized by their elongated bodies and the pincers at the end of their abdomens. Although they can look intimidating, earwigs are generally not dangerous to people. They are usually outdoor insects that hide in damp, dark places and occasionally enter homes in search of shelter.
Finding one earwig indoors is not necessarily a sign of an infestation. However, seeing them regularly in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, or around windows may indicate that they have easy access to your home or suitable hiding places nearby.
Understanding what earwigs look like, where they live, what attracts them, and how they enter buildings can help you prevent unwanted encounters. This guide explains earwig behaviour, their life cycle, the signs to look for, and practical steps to manage them around your property.
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are insects belonging to the order Dermaptera. They are commonly identified by their flattened bodies, long antennae, and distinctive pincer-like appendages at the rear.
Most earwigs prefer to live outdoors. They hide beneath rocks, garden debris, flowerpots, mulch, and other objects that provide moisture and protection. They generally become active after dark, when they search for food.
Earwigs feed on a mixture of plant material, decaying organic matter, and small insects. Depending on the species and available food, they may help break down organic material or feed on garden pests. However, large populations can damage flowers, seedlings, and vegetables.
According to Health Canada’s earwig guidance, earwigs are not directly harmful to humans and can provide benefits in gardens by feeding on certain insect pests and decaying matter.
Despite their unusual appearance, earwigs are not insects that need to cause immediate alarm. The main concern for homeowners is usually their presence in unwanted areas or damage to vulnerable garden plants.
What Do Earwigs Look Like?
Earwigs have a distinctive appearance that makes them easier to recognize than many other household insects.
Physical characteristics
Adult earwigs commonly have the following features:
- Body shape: Long, narrow, and slightly flattened.
- Colour: Usually reddish-brown, dark brown, or nearly black, depending on the species.
- Length: Many common species measure approximately 1.5 to 2 centimetres long.
- Antennae: Long, slender antennae extend from the head.
- Pincers: A pair of forceps-like appendages project from the rear of the abdomen.
- Wings: Some adult species have wings folded beneath short, hard wing covers, although they are rarely seen flying.
Male earwigs often have more curved pincers, while females typically have straighter ones. The exact appearance varies by species.
How to distinguish earwigs from other insects
Earwigs are sometimes confused with beetles, cockroaches, and other crawling insects. Their rear pincers are the most useful identification feature.
Cockroaches have a different body shape and do not have the same prominent pincers. Beetles may have hard wing covers but generally lack the distinctive forceps at the end of the abdomen.
If you find an unfamiliar insect indoors, take a clear photograph before attempting to identify it. Accurate identification helps determine whether the insect is an occasional visitor or part of a larger pest problem.
For additional identification information, see our guide to what cockroaches look like.
Why Are They Called Earwigs?
The name “earwig” is associated with an old superstition that these insects crawl into people’s ears while they sleep and burrow into their brains.
This story is not supported by scientific evidence. Earwigs do not seek out human ears, and they do not burrow into people’s brains.
Like many small insects, an earwig may accidentally crawl onto a person or enter a bedroom while searching for shelter. That possibility does not mean it is attracted to sleeping people.
Their pincers also contribute to their frightening reputation. Earwigs primarily use these structures for defence, interactions with other earwigs, and, in some species, capturing prey. They are not equipped to attack people in the way their appearance might suggest.
The best response to finding an earwig is to remove it calmly and investigate why it may have entered the building if sightings become frequent.
Where Do Earwigs Live?
Earwigs prefer sheltered environments that provide darkness, moisture, and protection from predators. They are most commonly found outdoors, although they may enter houses when suitable conditions are available.
Outdoor hiding places
Common outdoor earwig habitats include:
- Under stones, bricks, and paving slabs.
- Beneath flowerpots and garden containers.
- Inside damp leaf piles and garden debris.
- Under logs, boards, and firewood.
- Within mulch and compost.
- Around dense ground cover and overgrown plants.
- In cracks near foundations, patios, and exterior walls.
These areas provide shelter during the day and access to food.
Indoor hiding places
When earwigs enter a house, they may be found in:
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms.
- Basements and crawl spaces.
- Damp storage areas.
- Around exterior doors and window frames.
- Beneath mats and stored objects.
- Near houseplants and plant containers.
- Along baseboards and other sheltered edges.
An earwig found indoors may simply have wandered in accidentally. It does not automatically mean that the insect is breeding inside the property.
However, repeated sightings deserve attention. Moisture, nearby outdoor shelter, and gaps around doors or foundations may be allowing more earwigs to enter.
Do earwigs live in beds?
Earwigs can occasionally wander into bedrooms and may be discovered in bedding. This is unsettling, but it does not mean that they normally live in mattresses or feed on people.
They are not typical bed-infesting insects. If you repeatedly find insects in a bed, inspect the specimens carefully rather than assuming they are earwigs.
For comparison, read our article about bed bugs and how to recognize them.
What Attracts Earwigs to Your House?
Earwigs are usually attracted to the conditions around a property rather than to the house itself. Moisture, sheltered spaces, available food, and accessible entry points can all contribute to indoor sightings.
1. Excess moisture
Damp environments are among the most important factors associated with earwig activity.
Leaking outdoor taps, poorly draining soil, wet mats, blocked gutters, and overwatered plants can create favourable hiding places.
Inside the house, leaking pipes or persistently damp storage areas may make certain locations more suitable for wandering earwigs.
Reducing unnecessary moisture can make these areas less attractive.
2. Garden debris and mulch
Leaves, compost, stacked boards, and thick mulch provide cover for earwigs. When these materials sit directly beside a house, they can create a sheltered route towards the foundation.
Move unnecessary debris away from exterior walls and keep vegetation from becoming excessively dense near entry points.
Mulch can still be useful for garden health. The goal is to manage its depth and placement rather than remove every natural material from the landscape.
3. Easy entry points
Earwigs can enter through small gaps around doors, windows, vents, utility penetrations, and foundation cracks.
Damaged weatherstripping, loose screens, and gaps beneath exterior doors may make entry easier.
Sealing these openings helps reduce access for earwigs and other crawling insects.
4. Seasonal conditions
Earwig sightings often increase during warmer months when the insects are more active. Heavy rain, prolonged dry weather, and changing outdoor conditions may also encourage them to move into different sheltered areas.
Their appearance inside a building does not always mean that the house has a moisture problem. Outdoor populations and seasonal movement can also explain occasional sightings.
5. Nearby food sources
Earwigs consume decaying plant material, certain small insects, and tender vegetation. Gardens with abundant organic debris may support larger local populations.
Good garden maintenance can reduce unnecessary hiding places while preserving the beneficial role earwigs may play in the outdoor environment.
Are Earwigs Dangerous to Humans?
Earwigs are generally considered harmless to people. They are not known for spreading household infestations in the way some other pests do, and they do not feed on human blood.
Their pincers may look threatening, but earwigs do not normally seek out people to attack.
Can earwigs bite or pinch?
Earwigs can use their pincers defensively and may pinch if handled or trapped against the skin. Such incidents are uncommon and generally cause little harm.
Avoid picking up an earwig with bare hands. If you need to remove one, use a piece of paper, a container, a broom, or a vacuum cleaner.
Do earwigs carry diseases?
Earwigs are not generally regarded as important disease-transmitting household pests. Their presence alone is not evidence of a health hazard.
Nevertheless, it is sensible to keep insects away from food preparation areas and to maintain normal household cleanliness.
Can earwigs damage your home?
Earwigs do not normally chew structural wood, damage electrical wiring, or destroy building materials. Their main impact is usually nuisance activity and occasional feeding damage to plants.
If you find damaged wood, unexplained holes, or persistent structural deterioration, do not automatically blame earwigs. Other insects or moisture-related problems may require investigation.
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Do Earwigs Damage Gardens and Plants?
Earwigs can be both beneficial and troublesome in gardens. Their impact depends on their numbers, the available food, and the plants they encounter.
Feeding on plant material
Earwigs may feed on:
- Tender seedlings.
- Soft leaves and young shoots.
- Flower petals and buds.
- Ripening fruit.
- Vegetable plants.
- Decaying plant matter.
Large populations can leave irregular holes in leaves and flowers. Young plants may be more vulnerable because even modest feeding damage can affect their growth.
Feeding on other insects
Earwigs also consume certain small insects and other organisms. They may help reduce some garden pest populations while feeding on decomposing material.
This means that removing every earwig from a garden is not always necessary.
If the insects are not causing noticeable damage and are remaining outdoors, monitoring may be enough.
How to identify earwig plant damage
Look for irregular holes, ragged leaf edges, and damaged flower petals. Check plants at night with a flashlight because earwigs are primarily nocturnal.
Other pests can create similar damage. Slugs, caterpillars, and beetles may also chew leaves, so confirm the likely cause before choosing a treatment.
Our guide to other common pests can help you explore additional household and garden pest concerns.
What Is the Earwig Life Cycle?
Earwigs develop through incomplete metamorphosis. Unlike butterflies, they do not pass through a caterpillar and pupal stage.
Their life cycle consists of three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
1. Eggs
Female earwigs lay eggs in protected locations, often in soil or other sheltered outdoor areas.
Depending on the species and environmental conditions, the female may guard the eggs and help protect the young after they hatch.
2. Nymphs
Young earwigs are called nymphs. They resemble smaller versions of adults but initially lack fully developed wings.
As they grow, they moult several times. Their bodies become larger and more closely resemble those of mature earwigs.
3. Adults
Adult earwigs continue to feed and reproduce. Many species are active during warmer periods and seek sheltered locations when conditions become unfavourable.
The precise timing of development depends on species, temperature, and local environmental conditions.
Can earwigs reproduce indoors?
Earwigs are primarily outdoor insects, and indoor sightings usually involve individuals that have wandered inside. A few insects in a bathroom or basement do not prove that an indoor breeding population exists.
If you repeatedly find large numbers, inspect damp areas, potted plants, stored materials, and nearby outdoor habitats. The source may be close to an entry point rather than deep inside the building.
Signs of an Earwig Problem
Recognizing a pattern of activity helps determine whether you need basic prevention or a closer inspection.
Repeated indoor sightings
Finding one earwig occasionally may be a minor nuisance. Finding several over a short period, especially in different rooms, suggests that you should investigate potential entry points and outdoor hiding places.
Earwigs around doors and windows
Insects appearing along door thresholds, window frames, and foundation edges may be entering from nearby outdoor habitats.
Check for damaged seals, gaps, and accumulated leaves or mulch close to the building.
Earwigs in damp rooms
Frequent sightings in basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms may justify checking for moisture problems. Look for leaking pipes, damp stored items, and condensation.
Earwigs alone cannot confirm a plumbing leak, so inspect the area for other evidence.
Damage to flowers or seedlings
Irregular holes in leaves and flowers may indicate earwig feeding, especially when the insects are found on the plants at night.
Check for other possible causes before taking action.
Increasing numbers over time
A growing number of sightings may reflect seasonal activity, nearby outdoor populations, or repeated entry. Keep track of where and when you find them.
This information helps identify patterns and select practical prevention measures.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs Naturally
For occasional earwigs, physical removal and changes to the surrounding environment are often reasonable first steps.
The most effective approach usually combines several measures rather than relying on a single home remedy.
1. Remove earwigs found indoors
Use a vacuum cleaner, broom, dustpan, or container to remove individual insects.
Empty the vacuum according to its instructions, especially if you have collected several insects. Avoid handling earwigs directly.
2. Reduce outdoor hiding places
Clear away unnecessary leaf piles, old boards, and other debris close to the foundation.
Move firewood and stored materials away from exterior walls where practical. Keep the lawn trimmed and manage dense vegetation around doors and windows.
You do not need to eliminate every garden habitat. Focus on areas that provide direct shelter next to the house.
3. Manage moisture
Repair dripping outdoor taps, improve drainage where necessary, and avoid allowing water to accumulate near the foundation.
Check gutters and downspouts to ensure that water is directed away from the building. Fix indoor leaks and allow persistently damp areas to dry.
If a basement or crawl space remains damp, investigate the underlying cause instead of treating earwigs alone.
4. Use simple monitoring traps
Rolled cardboard or folded newspaper can provide temporary hiding places for earwigs outdoors.
Place a trap near a suspected garden hiding area in the evening and inspect it the following morning. Dispose of captured insects appropriately and repeat only as needed.
These traps can help monitor activity, but they will not necessarily eliminate a large population.
Keep traps away from children and pets, and avoid leaving damp materials against the house where they could create additional shelter.
5. Seal cracks and gaps
Inspect the exterior of the building for gaps around window frames, door thresholds, foundation joints, and utility openings.
Use suitable weatherstripping, caulking, screens, or other repairs where appropriate. Make sure vents and drainage openings remain functional and are not improperly blocked.
Entry-point repairs are useful for earwigs and many other crawling pests.
6. Adjust garden watering
Water plants according to their needs rather than keeping the soil continuously wet.
Avoid directing irrigation towards exterior walls, and correct drainage problems that leave soil saturated close to the foundation.
Do not allow plant health to suffer simply to discourage insects. The aim is to avoid unnecessary moisture and standing water.
For more general prevention advice, explore our guide to keeping pests out of your home.
How to Prevent Earwigs from Coming Back
Once you have removed visible earwigs, concentrate on the conditions that allowed them to approach or enter your home.
Maintain a clear perimeter
Keep unnecessary debris, stored materials, and excessive vegetation away from exterior walls.
Inspect areas where patios, garden beds, and foundations meet. These locations can contain small gaps or sheltered spaces that allow insects to hide.
Check doors, windows, and screens
Repair loose screens and worn weatherstripping. Ensure that exterior doors close properly and that gaps beneath them are addressed with suitable door sweeps.
Pay particular attention to basement entrances and rarely used exterior doors.
Keep indoor areas dry
Investigate recurring dampness rather than relying on repeated insect removal.
Use appropriate ventilation where needed and repair plumbing leaks promptly. If moisture persists despite basic maintenance, consider a qualified building or plumbing assessment.
Inspect stored items and plant containers
Earwigs may hide beneath pots, trays, boxes, and outdoor furniture. Check items before bringing them inside, especially if they have been sitting on damp ground.
Remove dead leaves from plant containers and avoid leaving wet saucers or debris in areas where earwigs are repeatedly found.
Monitor problem areas
Check locations where you previously noticed activity. Record whether the insects appear at the same door, in the same room, or after particular weather conditions.
If sightings decline after habitat changes and sealing, continued monitoring may be sufficient. Persistent activity may require a more detailed inspection.
Should You Use Pesticides for Earwigs?
Pesticides are not always necessary for earwig problems. If you find only a few insects indoors, removing them and improving exclusion measures may be enough.
When earwig numbers are high or activity continues despite prevention, a pest management professional can assess the situation and determine whether additional treatment is appropriate.
Why the source matters
Treating an indoor room without addressing nearby outdoor shelter or entry points may provide limited results. Earwigs can continue to wander inside while suitable conditions remain around the foundation.
A useful assessment considers:
- Where the insects are appearing.
- Whether activity is concentrated indoors or outdoors.
- Nearby moisture and sheltered habitats.
- Possible entry points.
- The presence of children, pets, and sensitive areas.
- Whether other pests could be responsible for the observed damage.
Follow product-label instructions
If a pesticide is considered, use only a product registered for the intended pest and application site in Canada. Follow all label directions, including restrictions, protective measures, and re-entry instructions.
Do not apply outdoor products indoors or mix chemicals in an attempt to improve their effectiveness. Avoid spraying food preparation surfaces, bedding, or other areas unless the product label specifically permits the intended use.
Professional advice is particularly useful when activity is widespread, the source is unclear, or repeated DIY treatments have not resolved the problem.
When Should You Contact a Pest Control Professional?
Professional help may be worthwhile when earwig sightings continue despite reasonable prevention measures.
Consider arranging an assessment if:
- Earwigs appear frequently in several rooms.
- Large numbers gather around doors, windows, or the foundation.
- Moisture or entry-point issues are difficult to identify.
- Garden damage continues and the responsible pest is uncertain.
- Previous control efforts have not reduced activity.
- You want to understand the source before choosing a treatment.
A proper assessment should distinguish between occasional outdoor insects entering the home and a persistent problem requiring more targeted management.
For broader assistance with household pest concerns, visit Acme Pest Solutions’ professional pest control services.
The appropriate response depends on the pest, its location, the conditions supporting it, and the extent of the activity. Not every earwig sighting requires pesticide treatment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Earwigs
Several common responses can make earwig management less effective.
Treating every earwig as dangerous
Their pincers can look alarming, but earwigs are generally not dangerous to humans. Removing an individual calmly is usually sufficient.
Ignoring outdoor conditions
If damp debris and suitable hiding places remain against the foundation, earwigs may continue to approach the building.
Using pesticides without identifying the pest
Other insects can resemble earwigs from a distance, and similar plant damage can have different causes. Confirm the identification before selecting a control method.
Relying only on traps
Traps can help monitor activity and capture some insects. However, they do not seal entry points or correct moisture problems.
Overwatering plants
Constantly damp soil and wet debris can create favourable conditions for earwigs. Adjust watering to plant requirements and improve drainage where necessary.
Expecting every insect to disappear immediately
Outdoor populations may continue to exist even after prevention measures are introduced. The practical goal is to reduce unwanted indoor activity and prevent damage, rather than assume every earwig in the surrounding environment can be eliminated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earwigs
Are earwigs harmful to humans?
Earwigs are generally harmless to people. They do not normally attack humans, although they may pinch if handled or trapped against the skin. Avoid handling them directly.
Why am I finding earwigs in my house?
Earwigs may enter through gaps around doors, windows, foundations, or utility openings. Outdoor debris, moisture, and nearby sheltered habitats can increase the likelihood of encounters.
Do earwigs mean my house is dirty?
No. Earwigs can enter clean homes accidentally while searching for shelter. Their presence is more closely associated with access, nearby habitat, and favourable environmental conditions than with household cleanliness alone.
Can earwigs live in bathrooms?
Yes. Earwigs may wander into bathrooms because they offer sheltered spaces and may have higher humidity. Repeated sightings are a reason to inspect entry points and look for leaks or persistent dampness.
Do earwigs crawl into your ears at night?
The belief that earwigs deliberately crawl into human ears is an old myth. They do not seek out human ears or burrow into people’s brains.
What do earwigs eat?
Earwigs eat a variety of materials, including decaying plant matter, tender vegetation, flowers, and certain small insects. Their diet depends on the species and available food.
Are earwigs beneficial?
They can be. Earwigs may help break down decaying organic matter and feed on some garden pests. However, large populations may damage seedlings, flowers, and other vulnerable plants.
Can earwigs infest a mattress?
Earwigs are not typical mattress-infesting pests. An occasional insect may wander into a bedroom, but repeated insect sightings in bedding should be investigated to ensure the insects have been correctly identified.
How can I keep earwigs away permanently?
No method can guarantee that earwigs will never return. You can reduce the likelihood of indoor sightings by managing moisture, clearing unnecessary debris, sealing entry points, and monitoring recurring problem areas.
When is professional earwig control necessary?
Professional assessment may help when earwigs appear in large numbers, repeatedly enter several rooms, or remain a problem after habitat and entry-point improvements. The source should be identified before deciding whether additional treatment is needed.
Final Thoughts
Earwigs are distinctive insects that often look more threatening than they are. They usually live outdoors, where they shelter in damp, dark places and feed on a mixture of plant material, decaying matter, and small insects.
An occasional earwig indoors is not necessarily a reason for concern. However, repeated sightings around bathrooms, basements, doors, or windows deserve attention.
Start by removing visible insects, reducing unnecessary moisture, clearing outdoor hiding places near the foundation, and sealing accessible gaps. Monitor the results and investigate persistent activity rather than relying on repeated sprays or traps alone.
If earwigs continue to enter your home or you are unsure which pest is responsible, Acme Pest Solutions can help you explore appropriate pest management options. Visit Acme Pest Solutions to learn more about its pest control services and determine the next step for your property.