European Earwigs
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
Myths and Facts
Myth: There’s an ancient superstition that earwigs burrow through the external auditory canal to eat sleeping persons’ brains.
Fact: This belief is unfounded; however, earwigs may sometimes enter the ear.
Earwigs are insects that are about 5/8 inch long, with a flat, reddish-brown body and short wings that are membranous wings.
They have medium-length antennae and chewing mouthparts. Earwigs are equipped with a pair of strong pinchers (cerci) on the tip of their abdomen.
Here are some key characteristics of earwigs:
- Nocturnal insects
- Feed on a variety of things, including garbage and house plants
- Can damage plants in the garden, such as dahlias, zinnias, and lettuce
- Females lay between 30 and 50 eggs in a batch, producing several batches
| Comparison | Earwigs | Other Insects |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Damp areas, gardens, and indoors | Varies by insect species |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous, scavengers | Varies by insect species |
| Activity | Nocturnal | Daytime or nocturnal |
While earwigs may look intimidating due to their pinchers, they typically pose more of a threat to plants than humans. They are not venomous and do not transmit any diseases to humans.
The most significant concern would be an accidental earwig crawl into an ear, causing discomfort and potential tinnitus.
Biology and Behavior of Earwigs
Anatomy and Appearance
Earwigs are reddish-brown insects with flat body, measuring about 5/8 inch long. Some features include:
- Medium length antennae
- Chewing mouthparts
- A pair of strong pincers (cerci) at the end of their abdomen
Males have stout, curved cerci that are widely separated at the base, while females have straighter cerci. Interestingly, earwigs also have short wings, with hindwings folding neatly under their hardened forewings.
Habitat and Nocturnal Lifestyle
Earwigs are nocturnal insects that prefer moist and dark environments. They can often be found living in the following areas:
- Garden debris
- Cracks and crevices in walls
- Soil, leaf litter, and mulch
During the day, they hide in these shelters, coming out at night to search for food.
Diet and Predatory Behavior
Earwigs are omnivorous and exhibit predatory behavior on occasion. Their primary diet consists of:
- Decaying plant material
- Insects (aphids, mites, and insect eggs)
- Some fruit and vegetables
Their pincer-like cerci are used to catch prey and for self-defense.
Life Cycle
These insects start mating in the spring season. The female cares for the eggs and the young for a short time after they hatch. They lay between 30 to 50 eggs in a batch. Plus, there can be several batches.
Females are quite defensive when it comes to protecting their nests. The larvae take around two to three months to become adults. Adults may live up to seven months.
European Earwig
3 Comments. Leave new
To be honest, I think that it’s just the weather this year. The earwigs have been absolutely horrible here—dropping on us in our sleep and being nuisances. We live in SW Pennsylvania and recently moved, so we thought it was the new place, but our landlord next door is having the same issues, and he thinks it’s just how warm and humid it has been.
It has gotten a little better in the last month, though.
Thanks for your comment. That makes sense for Pennsylvania, but two letters from the High Desert Area of California might have some other extenuating circumstances.
I live in Norman, Oklahoma and occasionally find earwigs in my house. Is there a way to discourage them? Thank you.