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.

Color	Dark brown
Legs	6
Shape	Long, narrow
Size	1"
Antennae	True

What Do Earwigs Eat?

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

Where Are Earwigs Found?

Earwigs 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.

What Attracts Earwigs?

Earwigs are attracted to light and humidity. They can also be brought into a building accidentally in boxes, bundles of paper, books, or plants.

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

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.

How to Prevent Earwigs

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