Earwigs

Earwigs are little insects that are beetle-like, short-winged, and fast moving. They measure from one-half to one inch in length. They are usually dark brown, have a pair of pincer-like appendages at the tip of the abdomen.

Earwigs are very active at night. During the daytime, they can be found hiding in cracks, crevices, under bark or in similar places. They tend to be scavenger type feeders in their habits, but will occasionally feed on plants.

Earwigs are completely harmless even though they were named after an old superstition that they entered people’s ears. If you mash them, you may detect a foul smelling liquid. This comes from a scent gland which some species have which might be used for protection.

The stripped adult earwigs are dark brown with light tan markings. The males are large and robust with stout pincers. The smaller females are somewhat lighter in color. Earwigs are most often found in areas having sandy or clay soils, and live in subterranean burrows or under debris. Their normal habitat is outdoors, but if their populations are large or adverse, they may enter structures in search of food or a more suitable environment.

Due to their nighttime activity, earwigs tend to remain in soil or under debris during the day and prefer heavily thatched lawns or mulched flower beds. At night they will congregate towards light as they search for food. Their favorites include armyworms, aphids, mites, and scales. Food scraps or dead insects are also enjoyed.

Female earwigs typically lay about 50 tiny eggs in burrows in the ground. After 7 days, the eggs will hatch into nymphs at which time they will feed on their egg case. Throughout this first nymphal stage, the female will continue to care for her young. At this stage, the young nymphs are easily confused with termites.

After another 7 days, the nymph will molt into the second stage where they are then released from the burrow by the female. The nymphs better hurry and hide or the female, who loses her maternal instincts at this time, will devour them. During later stages, the nymphs tend to be cannibalistic.

The small earwig passes through 6 nymphal stages before becoming an adult earwig. The total life cycle from egg to adult lasts an average of 56 days.