What Are Earwigs? Traits, Signs, and How to Get Rid of Them

With pincers on their backsides and a name that sounds like a nightmare, earwigs can get a bad rap. But don’t worry—earwigs are less likely to crawl into your ears and more likely to snack on your salad trimmings. So what exactly are earwigs, and should you be concerned if you find one scuttling across your floor? Let’s take a closer look.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are small insects with long, narrow bodies and pincers located on the back of their abdomen. These pesky, though mostly harmless bugs try to come inside your home, but most earwigs prefer to pester outdoor plants.

Some species can fly, but only in short bursts, while others are landbound. Thankfully, these tiny creatures don’t spread disease, but they can release a foul smell and use their pincers if they feel threatened, which usually happens when they’re picked up or agitated.

Traits of Earwigs 

To better understand these nocturnal creatures, it's helpful to examine their key traits—ranging from their physical characteristics and feeding habits to their habitat preferences. Here are the defining features that set earwigs apart from other insects. 

Appearance

You may have to squint to see earwigs, since they range in size from ¼ to 1-inch long. Their exterior has a reddish brown to black coloring with two pairs of wings at the front and hind sides of their bodies. They have 6 legs, 2 antennae, and a pair of pincers by their abdomen. 

Feeding Habits 

Like a growing teen who gets the midnight munchies, earwigs tend to feed at night. They feast on insects, leaves, fruits, flowers, and mold until the sun comes up and they retreat to cold, wet areas that get a lot of traction. Some earwig infestations target seedlings and garden crops, which can wreak havoc on your growing plants. 

Habitat Preferences

These insects prefer to live in large groups under piles of lawn debris, underneath mulch, or covered by wet leaves. The only time they will infiltrate a home is if they have easy access due to unsealed cracks or openings. Once they make their way in, expect to find them near water sources in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Signs of Earwigs

While the biggest sign of an earwig infestation is a physical sighting, other indicators are more subtle since they’re likely located outdoors. Here are a few signs to look out for. 

Damaged Plants 

Ragged holes in your leaves, flowers, or fruit are a clear sign that these lawn pests are up in your space—and feasting on your plants, too. You may have to head outside at night with a flashlight to catch them in action. 

Foul Odor 

A musty, unpleasant scent can be the doings of a disturbed earwig who feels threatened or on edge. This is especially true if they’re picked up or messed with while they’re burrowing underneath piles of moistened leaves, mulch, or firewood. 

Moisture Issues 

Although earwigs don’t necessarily cause moisture issues, they can follow if you have leaky pipes or undetected buildup under your sink or in other areas of your home. Check regularly for plumbing issues to ensure earwigs don’t make themselves at home. 

How to Get Rid of Earwigs 

The best way to banish earwigs from your property is to regularly remove piles of leaves, mulch, or other vegetation from the outside, especially if these piles are located near windows, doors, or your foundation. Firewood piles and logs are also appealing to earwigs, so you should keep them stored in a dry place or remove them entirely if they’re infested.

If you’re having persistent earwig issues, your local exterminator can inspect your property and come up with a treatment plan to get rid of them and keep them from coming back.