Earwigs

What do earwigs look like?

Earwigs are reddish-brown insects that typically grow to about 1 inch long, depending on the species. They have six legs, two antennae, and three main body segments. While they have short wings, they rarely fly. The most distinctive feature of an earwig is its cerci—two pincer-like appendages at the end of its abdomen. Males have curved pincers, while females’ pincers are straighter.

What do earwigs eat?

Earwigs aren’t picky eaters. Outdoors, they feed on insects, plants, vegetables, and flowers. Indoors, they’ll snack on food debris, sugar, cereal, pasta, rice, grease, and pet food. What’s most surprising? Earwigs will chew on non-food items like wallpaper, book bindings, adhesives, clothing, and cardboard.

Do earwigs crawl into human ears?

Technically, yes—an earwig could crawl into a human ear, but the chances are extremely slim. And no, they don’t lay eggs in your ear or burrow into your brain. Those are myths.

Are earwigs common in San Diego homes and yards?

Yes! Earwigs are common in San Diego landscaping, and they often find their way indoors through cracks, gaps, and other small openings. You’re most likely to see them in yards with plenty of moisture, shaded areas, and food sources, as well as inside homes with easy ground-level entry points.

Why do I have earwigs in my home?

There are three main reasons:

1. Exterior Attractants
   Earwigs love moisture and shelter. Leaky hoses, poor drainage, overwatered garden beds, potted plants, mulch, heavy ground cover, piles of leaves or wood, and outdoor lights can all draw them toward your home.
   
   
2. Entry Points
   Earwigs slip under doors with damaged sweeps, crawl through gaps in weatherstripping, torn screens, foundation cracks, and openings around plumbing.
   
   
3. Favorable Indoor Conditions
   Once inside, earwigs look for dark, damp spaces with clutter—think stacked cardboard, boxes, newspapers, and wet or damp laundry. They also need humidity, so basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces make ideal hiding spots.

How do earwigs get inside a house?

As earwigs crawl along your home’s exterior, they may wander inside through gaps under doors, between sliding doors, or around damaged seals. Most activity occurs at ground level, especially in shaded, moist areas. Homes with rotting wood from water damage are particularly inviting.

Can earwigs bite or pinch people?

Earwigs don’t bite, but they can pinch with their pincers if they feel threatened. Fortunately, their pinch is rarely painful and not dangerous. Unlike centipedes, earwigs don’t have venom.

Are earwigs dangerous to humans or pets?

Not really. While earwigs can technically spread bacteria by crawling through unsanitary areas, the risk is very low. They aren’t considered a health threat to people or pets.

Do earwigs indicate moisture or water problems in my house?

They can. Earwigs are attracted to damp conditions and often enter through water-damaged areas. If your home has high humidity or rotting wood, earwigs may take advantage. That said, seeing earwigs doesn’t always mean you have water damage—it’s simply a potential sign to watch for.

What’s the best way to get rid of earwigs?

Earwigs are persistent and can slip through even the smallest gaps. A pest control plan that targets both the interior and exterior of your home is the most effective solution. Harbor Pest Control offers year-round home pest control services designed to keep earwigs and other house-infesting pests out!

How can I prevent earwigs from returning to my property?

The key is consistency. Earwigs can return anytime if conditions are favorable. A professional pest control plan is your best defense. Our licensed pest control specialists will inspect your property, apply targeted treatments, and maintain a protective barrier to keep pest activity low.

If you’re worried about earwigs in your home or yard, contact Harbor Pest Control today. We’ll create a customized strategy to help keep these unwanted pests away for good.