Earwigs are slender, elongated insects that typically measure about 1/4 to 1 inch in length and are usually dark brown or reddish-brown, with some species displaying yellowish markings. Their long and flat bodies enable them to squeeze into tight spaces easily. The most recognizable feature of an earwig is the pair of curved pincers, or cerci, located at the end of the abdomen. These pincers, which are more pronounced in males, are used for defense and mating. Although earwigs have wings, they rarely fly and instead prefer to crawl.
Earwigs are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of plant and animal matter. Their diet primarily consists of decaying organic material, such as dead leaves and rotting wood, making them important contributors to natural decomposition. They also feed on live plant material, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, sometimes making them a nuisance in gardens. In addition to plants, earwigs prey on small insects, insect eggs, and other arthropods, helping to control certain pest populations.
Earwigs do not bite; they use their pincers to defend against predators and for mating purposes.
No, earwigs are not dangerous to people.
The idea that earwigs crawl into people’s ears and burrow into their brains is a persistent myth, but it’s untrue. While it’s technically possible for an earwig to crawl into an ear—just as with any small insect—it’s extremely rare and not something they seek to do. Earwigs prefer damp, dark environments like soil, mulch, or leaf litter, and they have no interest in human ears, let alone the ability to harm your brain. This myth is nothing more than a creepy tale with no scientific basis.
Not particularly so. They can cause minor damage to garden plants. Indoors, they are more of a nuisance than a threat.
Earwigs typically enter homes searching for moisture or shelter, especially during heavy rain or drought conditions. They tend to infest basements, bathrooms, kitchens, or areas with high humidity.
Earwigs are attracted to damp, dark areas such as mulch, leaf piles, and decaying vegetation. Excessive watering or overgrown plants can create ideal habitats for them.
In the Birmingham metro, earwigs are most active during the spring and summer when conditions are warm and humid.
If earwigs have appeared in your home, contact Acre Pest Control for effective pest control services. Serving the Birmingham metro, property owners can rely on our local pest control team to eliminate and prevent earwigs and other pests with ongoing pest treatments.
To prevent earwigs, reduce moisture around your home by fixing leaks, using a dehumidifier, and ensuring proper drainage. Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations to block their entry points.
If you’re dealing with an earwig problem in Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, or elsewhere in the Birmingham metro, contact Acre Pest Control for effective pest solutions to keep your home free of earwigs and other house-infesting pests.
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