Earwigs

Name: Bowling Green Pest Control
Address: Bowling Green, KY, US
Telephone: (270) 510-0473
Price range: $
Rating: 5.0

(Forficula auricularia)

Distinctive insects with rear pincers that hide in moist areas and enter homes during wet weather.

Overview

Earwigs are easily recognized by the prominent pincer-like appendages (cerci) at the end of their abdomen. Despite the old myth that they crawl into ears, earwigs are harmless to humans. In Bowling Green, they are common in gardens, mulch beds, and around foundations. They enter homes primarily during heavy rains or extreme heat, seeking moisture and shelter. They are nocturnal and hide in damp, dark areas during the day. While they can be a garden pest on tender seedlings and flowers, they also eat aphids and other small insects.

Appearance

Earwigs are elongated, flat-bodied insects about 5/8 to 1 inch long. They are dark brown to reddish-brown with lighter brown legs. Their most distinctive feature is the pair of forceps-like pincers (cerci) at the tip of the abdomen — males have curved pincers while females have straighter ones. They have short, leathery front wings that cover folded membranous hind wings, though they rarely fly.

Habitat

Earwigs prefer cool, moist environments. They are commonly found under mulch, stones, landscape timbers, flower pots, and leaf litter. They are attracted to damp areas around foundations, under downspouts, and near air conditioning units. Indoors, they are found in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens — anywhere with higher moisture levels.

Diet

Earwigs are omnivores that feed on decaying organic matter, seedlings, flower petals, soft fruit, and small insects including aphids. In gardens, they can damage marigolds, dahlias, hostas, and vegetable seedlings. They are also scavengers that feed on dead insects and other organic debris.

Lifecycle

Females exhibit maternal care, which is unusual among insects. They lay 30 to 50 eggs in an underground chamber and guard them until they hatch, even cleaning the eggs to prevent mold. Nymphs resemble small adults and develop through 4 to 5 molts. One generation per year is typical, with adults active from spring through fall.

Signs of Infestation

!Finding earwigs in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or near sinks
!Earwigs hiding under damp items like towels, rugs, or newspapers left on the floor
!Chewed leaves, flowers, or seedlings in garden beds
!Large numbers emerging at night around exterior door lights

Prevention Tips

✓Reduce moisture around the foundation by fixing leaks and improving drainage
✓Move mulch, stones, and landscape timbers away from the foundation
✓Redirect downspouts to carry water away from the house
✓Seal cracks and gaps around ground-level entry points
✓Use a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces
✓Switch exterior lights to yellow bulbs or move lights away from doorways

Professional Treatment

Perimeter treatments around the foundation and along entry points are effective at reducing earwig intrusion. Granular baits placed in mulch beds and around the foundation intercept them before they reach the home. Reducing moisture and organic debris around the foundation addresses the root attraction. Indoor treatments target cracks and crevices in basements and utility areas.

Did You Know?

•The myth that earwigs crawl into human ears has no scientific basis — it originated in European folklore.
•Mother earwigs guard their eggs and care for their young nymphs, which is rare among insects.
•Their pincers are used for defense, capturing prey, and folding their wings.
•Earwigs can emit a foul-smelling liquid from glands on their abdomen as a defense mechanism.

Quick Facts

Size

5/8 to 1 inch

Color

Dark brown to reddish-brown

Legs

Shape

Elongated, flat body with prominent rear pincers

Also Known As

Pincher bug, Pinch bug

Danger Level

Low