(Forficula auricularia)
Description
Earwigs come from the insect order Dermaptera, which means “skin wing.” The origin of the name is a reference to the appearance of the hindwings, which resemble a human ear when unfolded. There is also an old wives’ tale that earwigs burrowed into the brains of humans through the ear. While earwigs are not known to purposefully climb into ear canals, there have been reports of earwigs found in the ear.
Additional Information
Habits & Behavior
There are about 2,000 species of earwigs, with 22 species in the United States. They are among the smaller insect orders. Earwigs are known for their forcep-like pincers on their abdomen. Earwigs do not use these pincers to harm humans. Instead, they are used to protect themselves and to grab prey. In the Austin area they are most commonly black in color and range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.
Earwigs are found on every continent except Antarctica. They are especially abundant and can be found throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They are often found in warmer climates. Few earwigs survive winter outdoors in cold climates.
Because of this, earwigs are primarily a nuisance in the summer, particularly in July and August. They are nocturnal creatures that are active at night. During the day, they like to hide in dark, damp areas. If they make it inside your home, they will likely hide in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry area.
Reproduction
Earwigs undergo gradual metamorphosis. They go through various instars, or developmental stages. Once the eggs hatch, the first instar appears. The earwigs look similar to adults. As the earwig grows, it sheds its shell. As the shell is shed, the next stage is an earwig that is soft-bodied. The earwig appears whitish until the shell starts to harden.
If they receive adequate food, they can reproduce during warm weather and emerge as full adults before the summer ends.
Earwig mating season typically occurs in the fall and early winter months. The females carry around their eggs until they find the right location to lay them. Earwigs will often lay eggs in a spot under leaves, in soil, or in a crevice. The female earwig can lay anywhere from 20-80 eggs at a time.
Female earwigs are quite rare in that they are maternal. They are one of the few bugs that take care of their eggs. As they lay their eggs, the mother will look after the eggs. She will clean them of any parasites or fungi. Once hatched, the mother will continue to provide food to her young until they are ready to fend for themselves.
Diet
You may find earwigs outside under potted plants, leaves, and welcome mats. They like to hide under rocks, logs, and mulch. They are also attracted to light, so you might find them on your porch or deck at night. They are also found in cracks between bricks and pavers. Earwigs feed on plant buds and leaves. They eat decaying plant matter as well as healthy plant material. They also feed on dead insects and other small organisms.
Earwigs may attack corn silk and seedlings. A large number of earwigs can damage or kill seedlings and flowering plants.
Earwigs in the Home
In warm weather, earwigs may enter homes and other buildings in search of cooler temperatures and places to hide. They sometimes infest homes in large numbers. Earwigs have been known to stow away inside bundles of newspapers, boxes, books, and lumber.
While earwigs are not attractive pests, they do not cause damage to people or food. They do not reproduce indoors either. They will not harm property and are primarily a nuisance, as nobody wants hundreds of earwigs in their home, no matter how harmless they are. However, earwigs do not live very long indoors, especially if they are alone.
Earwigs can harm plants, though, by chewing holes in leaves and flower blossoms of marigolds, dahlias, and butterfly bushes. They can also leave a foul odor due to the liquid released from their abdomen.
Preventing Earwig Infestations
While earwigs are not destructive, as a homeowner, you still want them out of your home. You want to feel comfortable living inside your home without earwigs and other pests running amok. Here are some ways in which you can keep earwigs out of your home and yard:
- Maintain your yard. By keeping your yard neat and picked up, you can keep earwigs away. Earwigs like to feast on dying vegetation, so clean up plants and dead leaves. Trim overgrown shrubs and trees. Get rid of places where earwigs like to hide, such as leaf piles and old logs. To keep earwigs off your live plants, you can put a dish soap and warm water mixture on them.
- Attract birds to your yard. Humans don’t usually like earwigs, but birds sure do. Put a birdhouse or birdbath in your garden and the birds will thank you by eating up your earwigs.
- Fill in cracks and crevices. Inspect the exterior of your home to see where earwigs and other pests can come in. Look for cracks in the foundation, gaps in windows. and holes in window screens. Use caulk to seal up cracks. Get new screens if necessary.
- Repair leaky pipes or drains. Earwigs like to live in moist environments, so look around for damp areas or bodies of water. Look for dripping pipes or drains that could be attracting earwigs. Get any leaks fixed promptly..
Contact Us Today
While earwigs are not typically harmful, they can be a nuisance. Many people are scared of them due to their frightening appearance. They do not cause any damage, but they are still pests and should be exterminated from the home.
Stride Pest Control can help get rid of earwigs and other pests. We focus on quality and customer service. We want you to be satisfied. Schedule a free consultation today to see how we can help. Fill out the online form or give us a call at (512) 515-3635 (Austin) or (210) 940-3902 (San Antonio).
Number of earwig species in the world
2,000
# of earwig species in the U.S.
22
months an earwig can live without food
3
Pairs of legs an earwig has
3