Earwigs

Recognized by their pincers and nocturnal behavior, earwigs are omnivorous insects that thrive in damp environments. Learn about the common species found in the U.S.

Earwigs Uncovered: Identifying the Pincer-Tailed Insect

Earwigs are easily identified by the pincers, or cerci, located at the end of their abdomen. Adults measure about 1.3 to 2.5 cm in length and are typically dark brown or reddish-brown, sometimes with lighter or striped bodies compared to their younger counterparts. Although most earwigs have wings, they rarely use them to fly.

Where Earwigs Hide and What They Eat

Being nocturnal, earwigs tend to hide during the day in damp, dark places such as under rocks, mulch, leaf litter, or logs. At night, they become active and feed on a wide variety of materials, including decomposing plant matter, live plants, fruits, flowers, and even other insects. This makes them both scavengers and occasional predators. If you spot an Earwig in house, it may be a sign of nearby moisture issues or garden proximity.

European Earwig (Forficula auricularia)

When Earwigs Invade Your Home: Habitat & Danger

Earwigs often travel in small groups and are usually found near moist areas inside homes, such as bathrooms, damp basements, and overly wet kitchens. Their thigmotactic behavior— seeking out close contact with surfaces—draws them to these environments. While earwigs are not dangerous to humans, their presence can cause discomfort, and in large numbers, they may damage garden plants and spoil stored food.

Earwig Invasion in the USA

Earwig Infestation is becoming more common across the U.S. due to ideal conditions created by warm, wet climates. Frequent rainfall and high humidity promote breeding and survival, contributing to rising populations. Without proper control, large infestations can lead to food contamination, soil disruption, and environmental imbalance.

Which Earwigs Are Most Likely to Invade Your Home

The main types of earwigs, which are also found in different regions of the United States, are the European earwig, which is the most common of all types and mostly found inside the house, and the red-legged earwig. These are mostly found in Florida and the southern part of the USA. These insects mostly get attracted indoors by the moisture; so, they can be found where the surroundings are cool and damper such as basement, bathrooms and plants or these insects can also come into the house in huge numbers due to hot and dry conditions or heavy rain as it does not suit the outside conditions anymore.