Earwigs

What do earwigs look like?

Earwigs are small insects, typically ranging from 0.25 to 1 inch in length. Earwigs have long, narrow bodies with shiny, dark brown to black coloration and light yellow or reddish legs. The most distinguishing feature of earwigs is their forceps-like pincers at the end of their abdomens. Males have curved pincers, while the pincers of female earwigs are straight. Both males and females have two pairs of wings, but you’re not likely to ever see an earwig fly.

What do earwigs eat?

Earwigs are omnivores; this means they eat both plant and animal matter. Outdoors, they feed on:

• Decaying organic material
• Fungi
• Leaves and flowers
• Small insects, such as aphids or mites

Indoors, earwigs may settle for:

• Crumbs
• Fruits or vegetables left out
• Pet food

Their diverse diet makes them opportunistic feeders. They’ll eat whatever they can find in whatever environment they find themselves in.

Do earwigs really crawl into people’s ears?

Not really: it is mostly a myth. Despite what you may have heard, earwigs do not crawl into ears to lay eggs or burrow into the brain. The name “earwig” likely originated from folklore and is possibly linked to their elongated, slender bodies resembling something that might fit into the ear canal. It is important to note that they can accidentally get into the ears of sleeping people because they search for dark, moist holes to hide in. But this is unlikely—and they are unlikely to stay. 

Are earwigs dangerous to people or pets?

Earwigs may look scary with their pincers and dark coloration, but they are not generally harmful to humans or pets.

Pincers: While they can pinch when handled, their pincers are not strong enough to break the skin.

Venom: Earwigs are not venomous and do not spread diseases.

Earwigs are mostly a nuisance. Their presence is unsettling when they find their way indoors.

Why are earwigs in my house, and what attracts them?

Earwigs are primarily outdoor insects but will enter homes if the Phoenix area weather drives them in. They may also enter looking for:

• Moisture: These insects seek out humidity and water droplets in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, particularly during outdoor drought.
• Shelter: They like to hide in cracks, crevices, or clutter within homes and away from exterior conditions, such as high heat or dipping nighttime temperatures in winter.
• Food: Organic debris, crumbs, leftover pet food, and other detritus can provide indoor food sources and allow these insects to stay.
• Light: Earwigs may be attracted to lights at night and accidentally make their way inside.

It is essential to consider exterior and interior attractants that can lead to infestations.

Do earwigs damage property?

Earwigs are not known to cause damage to structures in Phoenix. They can, however, present a significant nuisance in gardens, where they may chew on leaves, flowers, and fruits. Indoors, they do not damage wood, fabrics, or structures. They’re just creepy houseguests.

Do earwigs prefer damp environments?

You bet they do. Earwigs thrive in moist environments. They are often found in damp soil, under rocks, mulch, or decaying wood in yards. Indoors, they seek out areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms with sinks. If the conditions become too dry indoors, they may migrate outdoors or die trying.

How do earwigs get inside homes?

There are many ways these insects find their way indoors. Some are straightforward. Others aren’t quite so obvious. Here are some common ways earwigs enter homes:

• Through gaps and cracks between the slab foundation and the exterior walls of a structure
• Through doors or windows left open and unprotected by screens
• Through gaps around utility lines that enter structures
• Through crawl space vents or damaged subflooring above crawl spaces
• In items brought inside, such as potted plants or outdoor furniture

Earwigs are opportunistic and usually take advantage of any accessible entry point. They like tight spaces.

How can I get rid of earwigs?

If earwigs have infested your bathroom, kitchen, or other part of your home, contact Termio for the best pest control in Phoenix and surrounding areas. Our locally owned and operated pest control company will assess the infestation and develop a treatment plan that eliminates and prevents earwigs and other pests from infesting all year. 

How can I prevent earwigs?

If you’re seeing earwigs in your home routinely, you may know that they can die off. But you’ll also notice that they can return over and over. Here are some tips to help you prevent having indoor trouble with these pests.

Reduce moisture:

• Fix leaky pipes or faucets.
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like a crawl space.
• Ensure proper drainage around your foundation.

Seal entry points:

• Repair cracks in your foundation.
• Fill in structural cavities with expanding foam.
• Install weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Use caulking to seal gaps around utility lines.

Remove outdoor harborage:

• Clear leaf litter, mulch, and wood debris around your home.
• Trim overgrown vegetation touching your exterior walls.

Reduce food options:

• Store food in sealed containers.
• Clean up spills and crumbs promptly.
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

Update your screens

• Replace damaged window and door screens.
• Cover vents with hardware cloth.