Are Earwigs Really That Eerie?

European Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are common insect pests throughout the United States. They feed on plants, including flowers, garden vegetables, and fruit trees. The common name “Earwig” is based on the false notion that this insect could enter a human ear and cause substantial damage. Earwigs are predominantly reddish brown and adults are typically ¾ of an inch long. The most identifiable feature of the earwig is the appendages at the tail end of the insect which appear to be pinchers or forceps and are referred to as cerci. The male earwig has strongly curved cerci while the female cerci are nearly straight. Earwigs have wings but are rarely seen flying.

Earwig damage to seedling plants, soft fruits, and new flowers can be substantial while damage to mature plants is limited and usually of little concern. Since earwigs are omnivorous, they can be useful as they can feed on aphids and insect eggs. Earwigs are mainly nocturnal creatures that prefer damp and dark locations but can be seen during daylight hours, especially if their hiding places are disturbed. Earwigs often enter homes and other buildings during hot and dry weather or when temperatures drop as in the late fall. Depending upon access points, large numbers of earwigs can invade occupied homes and cause distress for some but they are little more than a nuisance. Earwigs can cause significant damage to certain crops such as stone fruits when they create holes that deeply penetrate fruits. Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries can also suffer damage although the most substantial damage can occur when earwigs feed on corn silk which will cause pollination problems and poor kernel development. The most typical and obvious damage to plants by earwigs is when they make irregular holes in leaves and flower blossoms.

Controlling or reducing earwig populations can be more than a little challenging. When the goal is to prevent house infestations, residential insecticides, when used according to label instructions, can help. The best method to keep earwigs out is to properly and completely seal around doors and windows with caulk as those are the most prominent entry points. When the goal is to prevent garden or orchard infestation, appropriate insecticide sprays used according to label instructions can suppress the earwig population, especially when conducted soon after dark since earwigs are mostly nocturnal.

Because earwigs beneficially consume other insects, especially aphids, and are a non-dangerous nuisance indoors, it turns out that earwigs aren’t that eerie after all.