Are earwigs harmful to humans?

Earwigs are small insects that get their name from the myth that they crawl into people’s ears while they sleep. But are earwigs actually harmful to humans? The short answer is no, earwigs are generally not dangerous to humans.

Do earwigs crawl into ears?

The belief that earwigs enter people’s ears likely comes from the fact that earwigs are nocturnal and often seek out dark, moist areas during the day for hiding. However, earwigs do not purposefully enter human ears. While it’s possible for an earwig to accidentally crawl into someone’s ear while the person is sleeping, this is extremely rare.

Earwigs prefer to hide in damp, dark crevices and feed on decaying plant material, not enter human orifices. So while the name may suggest otherwise, earwigs do not typically crawl into people’s ears.

Can earwigs bite humans?

Earwigs do have small pinchers at the rear of their abdomen that they can use to bite. However, they are not aggressive insects and will generally only pinch if they feel threatened or are unintentionally touched or squished.

Most species have fairly weak pinchers that may cause temporary pain or irritation but do not break human skin. The giant earwig has more powerful pinchers and its bite can potentially break skin, but this species is found mainly in Africa and Asia, not North America or Europe.

Overall, while earwigs can inflict a minor pinch, they very rarely bite humans. Their pinchers are mainly used for defense, gripping food, and folding their wings under their short outer wing covers.

Do earwigs spread disease?

There is no evidence that earwigs transmit diseases to humans. Earwigs are not known to spread any illnesses such as the plague, typhus, or pneumonia like some other insects.

Earwigs feed on decaying plant matter, not human blood or tissue like mosquitoes or bed bugs. Their droppings, which may come into contact with humans, do not contain anything hazardous. Overall, earwigs do not pose any disease risk.

Are earwigs poisonous or venomous?

Earwigs are not poisonous or venomous to humans. While a small number of insect species produce toxic secretions for defense, earwigs do not have venom glands or secrete any poisonous substances.

The only potential irritation would be from a pinch, which may damage skin slightly from the pinchers. But earwigs do not inject any venom or toxins when they pinch that could make a person sick.

Do earwigs damage property or possessions?

While earwigs do not pose any harm to human health, they can be considered a household pest. Earwigs may damage plants by feeding on the leaves or flowers. Indoors, they may chew on fabrics, books, or papers to extract nutrients from the starch.

Earwigs emit a foul odor when crushed and may also leave behind oily or brown stains on fabric. These stains can be difficult to remove.

Having large numbers of earwigs in a home can be a nuisance and their feeding damage may be unwanted. But in general, earwigs cause minimal property damage and are more likely to just be a bother with their presence.

How can earwig infestations be controlled?

If earwigs do become problematic around a home, there are several steps that can be taken:

• Seal cracks and crevices where earwigs may enter and hide
• Keep compost piles away from the house
• Reduce moisture sources such as leaky faucets or pipes
• Remove debris like piles of wood or dead leaves
• Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or diatomaceous earth
• Install sticky traps around potential entry points
• Apply pesticide sprays or baits in severe infestations

With good sanitation and exclusion practices, most earwig populations can be reduced. Seek pest control help if you have a substantial infestation indoors.

Conclusion

Earwigs may look creepy and have an unsettling name, but they do not crawl into people’s ears or pose any real harm to human health. They do not bite aggressively, spread disease, or secrete toxins.

At most, earwigs may pinch if provoked but the pinch is harmless. Usually earwigs ignore humans altogether. While they can damage plants and be a nuisance around homes, earwigs themselves are not dangerous.

With proper sanitation and sealing entry points, most homeowners can deal with earwigs on their own. But pest control professionals can also help remove persistent populations if needed. Although myths suggest otherwise, earwigs are ultimately not harmful pests for people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do earwigs eat?

Earwigs are omnivores and eat a varied diet of living and decaying plant matter. Their natural diet consists of algae, lichens, pollen, fungi, leaves, flowers, and grasses. They may also prey on small insects or scavenge dead insects. Indoors, earwigs may feed on fabrics, wallpaper, newspapers, and books.

Where are earwigs commonly found?

Outdoors, earwigs live in cool, damp areas such as under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and mulch. They are often found in flower beds, gardens, compost piles, and fields. Indoors, earwigs may be found in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and first floors, hiding in cracks and crevices.

What attracts earwigs?

Earwigs are attracted to dark, moist, cluttered areas outdoors. Indoors, they may be drawn to paper products for the starch. Kitchens and bathrooms may attract earwigs due to plumbing leaks or food residues. Keeping areas dry and free of clutter can help discourage earwigs.

How do you repel earwigs?

To help repel earwigs:

• Remove ivy, mulch, and debris near the home
• Seal cracks, crevices, and openings around windows and doors
• Use diatomaceous earth, neem oil, or insecticidal soap
• Place sticky traps outside potential entry points
• Apply repellent plants like mint, lavender, basil, and chrysanthemums

What natural predators eat earwigs?

Common natural predators of earwigs include:

• Birds such as jays, thrushes, and starlings
• Amphibians such as frogs and toads
• Insects such as centipedes, ground beetles, and ants
• Spiders such as wolf spiders and crab spiders
• Lizards
• Rodents such as mice

Promoting these predators in an outdoor environment can help reduce earwig populations naturally.

Can earwigs come up through drains?

It is possible for earwigs to crawl up through sink, bathtub, and shower drains indoors, especially if the drains are not used often. Make sure to run water down the drains regularly and consider plugging unused drains to prevent access.

Are earwigs beneficial insects?

Earwigs can be mildly beneficial by feeding on decaying plant matter and preying on small pest insects outdoors. However, any benefits are typically outweighed by their nuisance if large numbers invade homes. Their damage to plants also makes them more of a pest.

How do you kill earwigs?

Effective ways to kill earwigs include:

• Insecticide sprays
• Diatomaceous earth sprinkled in infested areas
• Soapy water sprayed directly on earwigs
• Crushing earwigs with pliers or tweezers
• Setting out baited earwig traps

Be sure to also eliminate clutter and moisture sources to help reduce future populations.

What scent deters earwigs?

Earwigs dislike strong, pungent odors. Scent repellents that may help deter earwigs include:

• Mothballs
• Camphor
• Menthol
• Peppermint oil
• Cedar oil
• Tea tree oil
• Citronella
• Eucalyptus oil
• Vinegar

Place these scents around yards, gardens, or potential indoor entry points.

Will diatomaceous earth kill earwigs?

Yes, diatomaceous earth is effective at killing earwigs. The microscopic sharp edges cut through the insect’s waxy outer coating, causing dehydration and death. Apply a fine layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth around gardens, foundations, window sills, and other areas earwigs may crawl.

Do earwigs serve any purpose?

Earwigs do serve some beneficial purposes in nature. Outdoors, they help break down organic plant matter through their scavenging. Their feeding also helps cycle nutrients in the soil. Earwigs may help control aphid populations by preying on these pest insects. However, when earwigs invade homes they are generally considered a nuisance pest.

Can you touch earwigs?

It’s best not to touch earwigs with bare hands. Earwigs may react defensively and try to pinch if they feel threatened. Their pinch likely won’t break skin but may still be painful. If you need to handle an earwig, use tweezers or wear thick gloves to avoid being pinched.

Do earwigs jump?

Earwigs do not jump or fly. They crawl from place to place, so will not leap onto people. However, earwigs may spread their wings briefly to glide short distances. Their wings are folded under short, hardened wing covers most of the time.

Can earwigs live in cars?

Earwigs may occasionally be found living in cars, especially older model cars, if the weather stripping is damaged. They will hide in crevices and can crawl into the car’s interior through any gaps. Keeping weather stripping repaired and vacuuming thoroughly can remove earwigs.

Are earwigs attracted to light?

Earwigs are not strongly attracted to lights and prefer dark areas instead. Leaving lights on at night will generally not attract earwigs indoors. Their eyes are sensitive to light, so bright lights may help repel them.

Do earwigs play dead?

Earwigs do not play dead like some other insects. While they may remain still to avoid detection, earwigs do not purposefully roll over and play dead if disturbed. Their main defense is to quickly scurry away and try to hide.

Can earwigs live in mattresses?

It’s possible but uncommon for earwigs to live in mattresses. Their small flat bodies allow them to squeeze into tiny crevices in mattresses and bed frames. Thoroughly checking bedding and vacuuming mattresses can remove them. Mattress encasements can also prevent earwigs from getting inside.

Do earwigs have wings?

Most earwig species have wings as adults, but their wings are very short and folded under protective coverings. The wings are rarely used for flying and instead mainly help earwigs glide short distances. Only male earwigs can fully open and use their wings.

Can earwigs get in your hair?

Earwigs are not attracted to hair and do not purposefully crawl on people. However, long hair could potentially provide a temporary hiding spot for an earwig. Carefully shake out and brush long hair if earwigs are spotted indoors to dislodge any that may be inside.