Earwigs are easily identifiable by their slender, dark brown to black bodies and distinct pincers, or "cerci," at the back end. They range from ¼ to 1 inch in length and have long antennae. Although earwigs can look intimidating, they do not bite or spread disease.

• Finding earwigs around baseboards, in damp basements, or near garden mulch
• Noticing earwigs under potted plants, stones, or garden debris
• Spotting them in dark, moist areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms

Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer dark, moist environments. During the day, they hide in small crevices, under rocks, and in mulch. They’re known to be scavengers, feeding on decaying plant material, insects, and occasionally, live plants. In homes, they often enter through cracks and gaps in search of shelter and food, especially during hot and dry weather.

Typical Earwig Habits Include:

• Hiding in moist areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens
• Feeding on a range of organic material and small insects.
• Attracted to homes with ample outdoor lighting, especially near doors and windows

Earwigs have short lifespans but can quickly increase in numbers in the right environment. They typically lay eggs in moist soil or organic material outdoors, where their young, or nymphs, develop before reaching adulthood. Earwigs have a two-stage life cycle, with females laying clusters of 30-50 eggs in spring. The warmer months are peak times for earwig activity, though they seek shelter indoors as temperatures cool.

Quick Facts about Earwig Biology:

• Females lay eggs in sheltered, moist environments
• Nymphs resemble adult earwigs but are smaller and lighter in color
• Earwigs mature in about 10 weeks and can reproduce quickly in ideal conditions