Earwigs have a fearsome look and an unfortunate reputation, but they are harmless to people. If you find one in your home, it is usually a sign of conditions that attract them — most often damp.
What an earwig is
Earwigs belong to the order Dermaptera. The most common species in Europe, Forficula auricularia, is reddish-brown, between 1 and 2.5 cm long, and has a distinctive pair of pincers, called cerci, at the end of its body. The pincers are used for defence, for catching small prey, for handling food and during mating. Earwigs have wings folded under short covers, but rarely fly.
The myth
For centuries, people believed earwigs crawl into human ears at night — hence the English name. There is no evidence for this. Earwigs have no interest in ears.
Why they come indoors
- Damp. Earwigs love humid, dark places: bathrooms, kitchens, basements and areas with leaks. Frequent sightings can point to a humidity or ventilation problem.
- Nearby shelter. They hide under stones, logs, leaves, plant pots and bark. If these are close to the house, earwigs can wander in.
- Weather. Extreme heat, heavy rain or drought can push them to look for more stable conditions.
- Food. They are attracted to organic debris, small insects and plants near walls.
Are they dangerous?
No. Earwigs are not venomous and do not spread disease. If threatened, they may give a small pinch that rarely breaks the skin. They do not damage furniture, clothes, wood or stored food.
One or many?
A single earwig is not an infestation. Large numbers indoors usually reflect a big outdoor population in damp, overgrown areas nearby. Earwigs struggle to survive for long indoors, where the air is usually too dry for them.
Useful in the garden
Earwigs eat decaying plant matter, fungi and fallen fruit, as well as aphids, mites and insect eggs, making them helpful allies against garden pests — although they can also nibble soft fruit and flowers.
What to do
- A single earwig: pick it up with a piece of paper or a cup and put it outside.
- Repeated sightings:
- reduce humidity by ventilating and fixing leaks;
- clear leaves, wood and pots away from walls and trim vegetation;
- seal cracks around doors, windows and vents.
Insecticides are rarely necessary: controlling moisture and blocking entry points is usually enough.
