Earwigs

Facts About Earwigs

1. Ancient Insects: Earwigs belong to the insect order Dermaptera, and they are one of the most ancient insect orders, with fossils dating back over 208 million years.
2. Pincer-Like Appendages: Earwigs are known for their distinctive pincer-like appendages at the end of their abdomen. These pincers are called cerci and are used for defense and courtship.
3. Nocturnal Creatures: Most earwigs are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. They prefer dark, damp places and come out to feed when it's dark.
4. Omnivorous Diet: Earwigs are omnivorous, which means they eat both plant material and small insects. They can be both beneficial and harmful in gardens, as they consume pests but may also damage plants.
5. Maternal Care: Female earwigs are known for their maternal care. After laying eggs, the mother guards and cares for her eggs and young nymphs, which is a rare behavior among insects.
6. Fast Reproduction: Earwigs reproduce quickly. A single female can lay up to 50 eggs at once, and they can have multiple generations in a single year.
7. Incomplete Metamorphosis: Earwigs undergo incomplete metamorphosis. This means they hatch from eggs as nymphs and gradually develop into adults without undergoing a dramatic transformation like caterpillars into butterflies.
8. Habitat Variety: Earwigs can be found in a variety of habitats, from gardens and forests to urban areas. They are highly adaptable to different environments.
9. Flight Ability: While earwigs have wings, not all species can fly. Those that can fly have two pairs of wings, with the hind wings folded beneath the forewings.
10. Communication: Earwigs communicate with each other using pheromones. They release these chemical signals to attract mates or mark territory.
11. Short Lifespan: The average lifespan of an earwig is typically around one year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as species and environmental conditions.
12. Nocturnal Behavior: Earwigs are known to exhibit phototaxis, which means they are attracted to light sources at night. This behavior can sometimes lead them into homes.
13. Myths and Folklore: Earwigs have been the subject of various myths and superstitions. Some people believe they crawl into human ears at night, although this is extremely rare and unlikely.
14. Global Distribution: Earwigs are found worldwide, with over 2,000 known species. They are most diverse in tropical regions but can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
15. Beneficial Predators: Despite their reputation as garden pests, earwigs also play a beneficial role by consuming other insects and pests, such as aphids and mites.

Remember that while some earwigs can be pests in gardens or nuisance insects in homes, they are a diverse and ecologically important group of insects with fascinating behaviors and adaptations.

How To Prevent Earwigs

Preventing earwigs from infesting your home and garden requires a combination of proactive measures. Here's a list of steps you can take to prevent earwigs:

1. Maintain Proper Hygiene:

• Keep your home and garden clean and free of debris, as earwigs are attracted to decaying plant matter and organic material.

1. Reduce Moisture:

• Repair any leaky pipes or faucets, as earwigs are drawn to moisture.
• Ensure proper drainage in your garden to prevent water accumulation.

1. Eliminate Hiding Spots:

• Remove or reduce hiding spots for earwigs by cleaning up piles of wood, rocks, and debris in your yard.

1. Seal Entry Points:

• Seal cracks and gaps in your home's foundation, doors, and windows to prevent earwigs from entering your house.

1. Install Weatherstripping:

• Use weatherstripping around doors and windows to create a barrier that keeps earwigs out.

1. Reduce Outdoor Lighting:

• Earwigs are attracted to light at night. Use less outdoor lighting to minimize their presence near your home.

1. Use Yellow Light Bulbs:

• If you need outdoor lighting, consider using yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, which are less attractive to insects like earwigs.

1. Remove Attractants:

• Earwigs are attracted to plants such as marigolds, zinnias, and dahlias. Consider planting fewer of these in your garden or moving them away from your home.

1. Clean Up Garden Debris:

• Remove dead plant material, leaves, and other organic debris from your garden regularly.

1. Apply Mulch Carefully:

• Avoid using excessive mulch, as earwigs can hide and breed in it. If you do use mulch, keep it thin and well-maintained.

1. Set Up Traps:

• Create earwig traps by placing rolled-up newspaper or cardboard tubes in your garden. Earwigs will hide in these during the day, making it easier to collect and remove them.

1. Natural Predators:

• Encourage natural predators like birds, toads, and ground beetles in your garden, as they feed on earwigs.

1. Diatomaceous Earth:

• Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around your garden. It's a natural substance that can help deter earwigs by dehydrating them.

1. Insect-Repellent Plants:

• Plant herbs like basil and mint, which can deter earwigs with their strong scent.

1. Regular Inspection:

• Periodically inspect your garden and home for signs of earwigs, such as damaged plants or their presence in dark, damp areas.

1. Chemical Treatments:

• If infestations persist and non-chemical methods fail, consider using insecticides labeled for earwig control. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.



Remember that a combination of these prevention methods is often the most effective way to keep earwigs at bay. Integrated pest management, which combines natural and chemical approaches, can help you maintain a pest-free environment while minimizing harm to the ecosystem.