Earwigs: Facts, behavior, and diet

Earwigs are known for the intimidating pincers on their abdomens, earning them the nickname "pincher bug.” These nocturnal insects scurry through the darkness in damp environments, leaving little trace of their activities. Seeing one in your house or backyard isn't unusual, yet many know surprisingly little about these mysterious pests. Keep reading to learn more about them!

Why are earwigs called earwigs?

The name "earwig" comes from an old wives' tale that these insects crawl into people's ears while sleeping and bore into the brain. The term itself originates from the Old English "ēare," which means "ear," and "wicga," which translates to "insect" or, more literally, "beetle." Despite the unsettling imagery this name conjures, it's a myth. It would be extremely rare for one of these insects to crawl into human ears or bore into the brain. The name has stuck over the centuries, though, and continues to contribute to these insects' negative reputation despite their generally harmless nature.

General earwig habits

Earwigs are nocturnal pests and prefer dark, moist environments, thriving under rocks, compost, and mulch or within layers of decaying vegetation. Their presence is often felt more at night when they emerge to feed. They play a dual role in the ecosystem, both beneficial and pestilent. On one hand, they assist in the decomposition process, breaking down plant material. On the other, they sometimes feed on living plants, including garden vegetables and ornamental plants, which can categorize them as pests.

One of earwigs' most unique and often misunderstood features is the pair of pincers, or forceps, at the end of their abdomen. These pincers are used for defense, mating rituals, and to capture prey, varying in size and curvature between species and sexes.

Earwig anatomy

Earwigs have a unique anatomy highlighted by their pincers or forceps at the abdomen's end, which are used for defense, predation, and mating. Their bodies are segmented into a head, thorax, and abdomen, with six legs and two antennae. While some species have wings comprising leathery forewings that protect the more delicate hind wings, they rarely fly. Most of the time, they prefer to move around on the ground, making flight an uncommon behavior among them.

What do earwigs eat?

Earwigs are omnivores and eat other insects, pollens, lichens, and certain plants. Insects commonly preyed upon by these pests – which they will consume alive or dead – include sowbugs, mites, aphids, and the eggs of other insects. Once inside a home, their diet expands to include stored goods such as cookies, flour, and bread.

Do earwigs bite?

Earwigs are not known to bite humans. Although they do have pincers, they use those primarily for their defense against predators. They do not require blood meals to survive, like mosquitoes or bed bugs. If one does pinch you, you might feel a slight discomfort or pinch, but it is unlikely to cause any harm.

Earwigs life cycle

The earwig life cycle involves three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The adult females lay clutches of eggs and, unlike most insects, diligently guard them for about two weeks until they hatch. After hatching, the young pests, called nymphs, resemble the adults but lack wings and are much smaller. These nymphs are capable of surviving on their own, but the mother oftentimes may choose to stay with them for several weeks. She protects them from predators and even hunts for food, regurgitating it for the nymphs. The nymphs go through several molting stages, lasting about a week each, as they grow. The entire nymph stage takes about three months, and then they reach adulthood. Earwigs typically live for about a year and are scavengers and omnivores.

Another unique fact about these pests is that their siblings help each other out, producing more frass when in the company of their brothers and sisters. Frass – or insect poop – might seem distasteful to humans, but for many immature insects, it is a good source of nutrition. The frass is donated and then eaten, meaning the nymphs help nourish each other. If nymphs crawl into an unrelated brood, they are equally likely to be cannibalized as they are to be “adopted.”

What to do if you see earwigs in your home

If you spot these pincher bugs in your home, there are some practical steps you can take to address the situation.

1. Reduce moisture - Earwigs are attracted to damp areas. Check for and repair any leaks in your home’s plumbing, and use dehumidifiers in particularly moist areas like basements or crawl spaces.


2. Seal entry points - Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, holes, or gaps where these occasional invaders could enter. Seal these areas with caulk or another appropriate sealant.


3. Maintain landscaping - Remove garden debris, leaf piles, and mulch away from the foundation of your home. Indoors, keep your floors and surfaces clean and clutter-free to eliminate potential hiding spots.


4. Limit outdoor lighting - These pincher bugs are attracted to lights. Use yellow or sodium vapor bulbs outside instead of white or mercury vapor lights to reduce their attraction to your home.


5. Contact a professional - If, despite your efforts, you continue to see a significant number of these pests over a prolonged period, it might be time to contact a pest control professional like Terminix!

Contact Terminix to learn more about our earwig control services, or try our Terminix PestFree 365 pest control plan to protect your home from overwintering pests year-round. ¹

¹ Coverage includes: "House" Ants, Bird Mites, Indoor Ticks, Cockroaches, Carpet Beetles, Fabric Moths, Overwintering Insects, Ground Beetles, Centipedes, Crickets, Earwigs, Firebrats, Millipedes, Clover Mites, Pillbugs/Sowbugs, Psocids, Scorpions, Silverfish, Paper Wasps, Springtails, Spiders, Stored Product Beetles, Stored Product Moths, Mice, and Rats.