Earwigs

The European earwig (Forficula auricularia) is the species most commonly found around homes in South Carolina.

Earwigs are outdoor insects that prefer dark, damp places such as mulch, leaf litter, woodpiles, and areas beneath stones or flowerpots. They occasionally wander into homes, especially when changing weather or excess moisture disturbs their outdoor hiding places.

Although their pincers can look alarming, earwigs are primarily nuisance pests. They do not spread disease, damage homes, or normally reproduce indoors. However, recurring earwig activity can point to excess moisture, outdoor harborage, or gaps that allow pests to enter.

What Do Earwigs Look Like?

Earwigs have long, flattened bodies that allow them to squeeze beneath doors and into narrow cracks. Adults are generally reddish-brown to dark brown and measure approximately ½ to ¾ inch long.

Their most recognizable feature is a pair of pincer-like appendages, called cerci, at the end of the abdomen. Male earwigs typically have strongly curved pincers, while females have straighter pincers that sit closer together.

Most adult European earwigs have wings folded beneath short wing covers, but they rarely fly. They are more commonly seen scurrying across floors or hiding beneath objects.

Earwig nymphs look like smaller, paler adults. They are wingless and have slimmer, less-developed pincers. Earwig eggs are small, oval, and pearly white, but homeowners rarely see them because females lay and guard their eggs in nests in the soil.

Earwigs at a Glance

• Size: Approximately ½ to ¾ inch long

• Color: Reddish-brown to dark brown

• Distinguishing feature: Two pincers at the end of the abdomen

• Most active: At night

• Preferred conditions: Dark, cool, and damp

• Risk to people and pets: Very low

• Structural damage: None

• Indoor reproduction: Uncommon

• Peak local activity: Late spring through early fall

Why Earwigs Enter Homes

Earwigs are accidental invaders that slip inside through gaps beneath doors, damaged weatherstripping, foundation cracks, window frames, or openings around utility lines.

They can also be carried inside with potted plants, boxes, outdoor furniture, or other items that have been stored in damp areas.

Conditions that can contribute to earwig activity include:

• Thick or constantly damp mulch near the foundation

• Leaf litter and landscape debris

• Woodpiles, stones, and flowerpots beside the house

• Leaking outdoor faucets or irrigation systems

• Clogged gutters or downspouts that discharge near the foundation

• Dense vegetation touching the house

• Damp crawl spaces

• Gaps around doors, windows, vents, and utility penetrations

Sudden weather changes can also bring earwigs inside. Heavy rain may flood their outdoor hiding places, while extremely hot or dry weather may cause them to search for cooler, more sheltered conditions.

Inside, earwigs are usually found near ground level in bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, garages, crawl spaces, and other areas where moisture is available.

Finding one earwig does not necessarily mean you have an infestation. Repeated sightings or groups of earwigs are more likely to indicate a nearby outdoor population, moisture problem, or entry point.