Earwig

The name ” earwig ” originates from the superstition that earwigs crawl into the ears of sleeping persons and bore into the brain. Although earwigs appear somewhat dangerous due to their forceps, they are practically harmless to man.

Earwigs may cause alarm to homeowners when discovered indoors. They have a frightful appearance, move rapidly around baseboards at the ground level, and may emit a foul-smelling, yellowish-brown liquid from their scent glands. These creatures, active at night while hiding during the daytime, normally live outdoors and do not establish themselves indoors. They are harmless to humans and animals, although if handled carelessly, the earwig can give a slight pinch with the forceps.

Serious feeding damage may occur on flowers, vegetables, fruits and other plants, giving the leaves a ragged appearance with the numerous, small, irregular holes. Also, decomposing organic matter is consumed. They are considered temporary pests in spite of the fact that they sometimes occur in large populations.

There is no evidence that they transmit disease or otherwise harm humans or other animals, despite their nickname pincher bug.

Earwigs rarely fly and they are unable to crawl for long distances, yet they have spread rapidly through the eastern and western United States. This is because they are accomplished “hitch-hikers”. They wander about at night and crawl into any available hiding place before dawn. Thus they may be carried long distances in bundled newspapers, luggage, cut flowers and produce, crated merchandise, lumber and building supplies, automobiles and even the mail.