Earwigs are one of those pests that look much worse than they actually are. The pincers on the back end look like they belong on something venomous, but in reality earwigs are harmless to humans — they don’t bite, they don’t sting, and they don’t burrow into your ear (despite the name and the centuries of folklore). What they do is show up in numbers in Oceanside homes during cooler, damp months, and they show up in places that suggest you have a moisture issue worth addressing.

Here are the earwig facts that actually matter for an Oceanside homeowner trying to figure out where they’re coming from and what to do about it.

No, Earwigs Will Not Crawl Into Your Ear

The Origin Of The Name

The most prevailing myth about earwigs is that they often crawl into human ears. Their alleged objective is to reach and feast on our brains. Thankfully, it is not true to any extent. While this is likely to happen in a horror movie, the chances of it occurring in real life are low to nonexistent. Earwigs don’t have a greater tendency to enter your ears than other species, and brains aren’t a part of their diet. What they actually consume includes:

• Rotting organic matter
• Plants
• Sprouts
• Vegetables
• Insects

What The Pincers Are Actually For

Earwigs have thin and flat bodies that are ¼ to 1 inch long. These reddish-brown pests have two pairs of immobile wings and two pincers near the stomach. When they aren’t using the appendages to protect themselves or catch prey, they’ll be utilized to procreate. Strong scents will emit from them during these actions. Earwigs are frequently confused with silverfish, but the latter have more appendages.   

Given their nocturnal nature, earwig infestations are indicated by daylight appearances. They wander in large groups and run quickly. Remember that dry weather and moisture are catalysts for their invasions. Indoors, they’ll be in kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and similar. 

Earwigs Will Protect Their Babies

Considering what earwigs feed on, they are ubiquitous in yards. You’ll probably see them in your gardens or mulch, and beneath logs and rocks. Sometimes these pests build small sheltering tunnels in the ground. You might discover eggs in damp and cool spots with shade; typically, these eggs will hatch in about a week. The female bugs will keep watch over their unhatched and active nymphs for a period. Their goal is to prevent the effects of mold growth by eating the matter and cleaning the eggs. Female earwigs are known for being especially protective of their offspring.  

Earwigs Are Not Dangerous To Humans

A Note On The “Earwig Bite”

Contrary to common belief, earwigs are not a threat to your well-being or health. They have the ability to pinch you, but it won’t be a dire situation if they do. The worst-case scenario is that you’ll have moderate pain and a scratch on the surface of your skin. Fortunately, these insects cannot cut you or cause bleeding. Earwig bites and stings are not a possibility, so you don’t have to be fearful of potent or lethal venom. 

When Earwigs Become A Nuisance

With many pests, there’s concern about parasites, bacteria, and/or disease transmission. Earwigs do not harbor illnesses, nor do they pass them along with their germs.

Pest Control Plans Help Keep Earwigs Out Of Your Home

Expensive earwig sprays and similar store products are meant for mild issues and temporary relief. It’s because their chemicals don’t have the strength for an infestation, but they can still harm you. Long-term exposure isn’t good for greenery and pets either. At Bull’s Eye Pest Control, we have affordable plans and safe solutions for earwigs that last, including perimeter treatments, liquid sprays, and more. Call today for a no-obligation home pest control inspection!

Earwigs are mostly a nuisance, but if you’re finding them indoors every morning, it usually points to moisture or entry points you can fix. Have our team walk the property and recommend the right treatment.