Earwigs were named by a superstition that the insect would crawl purposely into the ears of sleeping people.

Habits

Earwigs hide during the day and feeds on leaves, flowers, fruits, mold and insects at night.

Habitat

These insects live together outdoors in large numbers. They can be found under piles of lawn debris, mulch or in tree holes. They feed on green plants, and other vegetation, and do little damage indoors. They gain entry to a structure through exterior cracks.

Threats

The pinch of their forceps is neither painful nor poisonous, but does an effective "scare" job. They do not spread diseases, but their menacing appearance can be alarming to a homeowner.

Prevention:

Remove harborage sites such as leaf piles, mulch piles or other vegetation. To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices.