Where to Find Earwigs:
A Comprehensive Guide

Earwigs are a common insect that can be found in many different environments around the world. They are known for their unique appearance, long antennae, and pincer-like cerci on their abdomen. While some people may find them a bit creepy, they are actually beneficial to gardens as they feed on other insects and decaying plant material. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore where to find earwigs and how to properly identify them.

Identifying Earwigs

Before we dive into where to find earwigs, it’s important to know how to identify them. Earwigs range in size from 5-25mm and have elongated, flattened bodies with short wings. They are typically brown or black in color and have two pairs of wings, although they rarely fly. Their most distinctive feature is their cerci, which are curved appendages on their abdomen that resemble pincers.

Where to Find Earwigs

Earwigs can be found in a variety of habitats including gardens, forests, deserts, and even urban areas. Here are some specific places you might find earwigs:

1. Under rocks and debris

Earwigs love dark, damp environments and can often be found hiding under rocks, logs, and other debris in your yard or garden.

2. In flower beds

Earwigs are attracted to decaying plant material and can often be found in flower beds or other areas with decomposing vegetation.

3. Around light sources

Earwigs are nocturnal insects and are attracted to light sources at night. You may notice them congregating around porch lights or streetlights.

4. Inside your home

While earwigs prefer outdoor environments, they can sometimes find their way inside your home through cracks and crevices. They are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp areas.

How to Control Earwigs

If you are finding earwigs in your home or garden and want to control their population, there are a few things you can do:

1. Remove debris

Earwigs love hiding in dark, damp environments, so removing piles of debris and other clutter from your yard can help reduce their population.

2. Use sticky traps

Sticky traps can be placed around your garden or home to capture earwigs as they crawl across them.

3. Apply insecticides

If earwigs are causing significant damage to your plants or becoming a nuisance in your home, insecticides can be applied to kill them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are earwigs harmful to humans?

Earwigs are not harmful to humans and do not bite or sting. Their cerci may look intimidating but they are not strong enough to cause any harm.

What do earwigs eat?

Earwigs primarily feed on decaying plant material and other insects. In gardens, they can be beneficial as they help control populations of other pests.

Do earwigs fly?

While earwigs have two pairs of wings, they rarely fly and prefer to crawl along the ground.

How do I prevent earwigs from getting inside my home?

Sealing up cracks and crevices around doors and windows can help prevent earwigs from entering your home. Additionally, reducing clutter and debris in your yard can make it less attractive to them.

In conclusion, earwigs are a unique and beneficial insect that can be found in many different environments. By understanding where to find them and how to properly identify them, you can take steps to control their population if necessary. Remember, while they may look intimidating, earwigs are not harmful to humans and can actually be helpful in controlling other pests in your garden.