Earwigs
The name earwig is derived from a European superstition that these insects enter the ears of a sleeping person and bore into the brain. This belief is totally unfounded.
Earwigs require moist, cool places and are found in damp crawl spaces, flower gardens near the home, in mulches, compost piles, trash, under boards and in wood piles. After entering houses, they feed on sweet, oily or greasy foods or houseplants. They are attracted to lights.
Earwigs may cause alarm to homeowners when discovered indoors. They have a frightful appearance, move rapidly around baseboards at the ground level, and may emit a foul-smelling, yellowish-brown liquid from their scent glands. These creatures, active at night while hiding during the daytime, normally live outdoors and do not establish themselves indoors.
They are harmless to humans and animals, although if handled carelessly, the earwig can give a slight pinch with the forceps. Serious feeding damage may occur on flowers, vegetables, fruits and other plants, giving the leaves a ragged appearance with the numerous, small, irregular holes. Also, decomposing organic matter is consumed. They are considered temporary pests in spite of the fact that they sometimes occur in large populations.
Earwigs develop from egg to adult through gradual metamorphosis with four
to five nymphal instars or stages. During the spring or autumn, females
lay 20 to 50 smooth, oval, pearly-white or cream-colored eggs in a below-ground
chamber (upper two to three inches of soil). The female moves, cleans,
and provides maternal care by protecting the eggs and new young until
the first molt.
Young then leave the nest, fend for themselves and mature in one season. Both eggs and adults overwinter. Earwigs may dig as deep as six feet below ground to escape the cold temperatures. They are active at night and are often found around lights. During the day, they hide in moist, shady places beneath stones, boards, sidewalks and debris.
They are rapid runners and feed on mosses, lichens, algae, fungi, insects, spiders and mites, both dead and alive. Some earwigs are predators, feeding on aphids and others feed on living plants, becoming pests in greenhouses and on certain crops such as vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, forages and field plants.
Earwigs rarely fly and are unable to crawl long distances, but often hitchhike
in laundry baskets, cut flowers, luggage, newspapers, lumber, baskets
of fruits and vegetables, automobiles, etc. They prefer moisture and may
migrate indoors during periods of prolonged heat and drought. Forceps
at the end of the abdomen are used to defend the nest, capture prey, probe
narrow crevices and fold or unfold wings.
Prevention
Earwigs need and are very attracted to moisture. High populations, practically
invisible during the day, may be present around foundations, in landscaped
yards, in mulch, under boards, etc. Be sure to eliminate damp, moist conditions
in crawl spaces under houses, around faucets, around air-conditioning
units and along house foundations.
Rain gutters and spouts should carry water away from the house foundation. Use caulking compound, putty and weather stripping around doors, windows, pipes and other entry sites, especially at the ground level.
Change landscaping by creating a clean, dry border immediately around the foundation wall. Gravel or ornamental stones can make an attractive barrier against earwigs and other pest invaders.
