Earwigs have a rather interesting life cycle and inhabit some rather strange places. They are also not nearly as scary as they sound! This post will give you a little more information on these fascinating creatures. 

Stay tuned for more posts in the future that delve even deeper into the weird and wonderful world of earwigs!

What are Earwigs and How They Look Like?

One of the most distinctive features of earwigs is their large, pincer-like appendages. These appendages are actually modified cerci, which are small, tail-like structures found on many insects. 

The function of the cerci is to sense touch and vibration, but earwigs also use their cerci for defense and for capturing prey. In addition to their large cerci, earwigs also have a pair of long, thin antennae. Their bodies are elongated and flattened, and they typically range in size from 5 to 25 millimeters. 

Earwigs are found in a variety of colors, including brown, black, and red. Some species even have colorful patterns on their wings. 

Although they are often feared because of their appearance, earwigs are actually harmless to humans. They do not burrow into people’s brains or ears, despite what their name might suggest!

Types of Earwigs in the USA

There are nearly 2,000 species of earwigs found throughout the world, but only a handful call the United States home. 

The most common type of earwig in America is the European earwig, which was introduced to New Jersey in the early 1900s. These small pests are easily recognizable by their long, segmented bodies and reddish-brown color. 

European earwigs are mostly harmless to people, although they can cause damage to crops and gardens. 

Another type of earwig found in the US is the tropical earwig, which is native to parts of Africa and South America. These earwigs are slightly larger than their European cousins and have dark brown bodies. 

Tropical earwigs are not considered pests and are actually beneficial predators of harmful insects.

Earwigs Life Cycle

One of the most surprising things about earwigs is the maternal instinct of the female earwig. Though they are small insects, earwigs show a surprising amount of care for their young. 

Female earwigs excavate small egg cells in which to lay their eggs, often spending long periods of time on this task. Once the nest is finished, she will then carefully arrange the eggs inside, placing 20 to 60 at a time into the cell. 

After this, she stands guard over the eggs until they hatch, protecting them from other insects and even her own mate. On a regular basis, she will lick each individual egg. 

Scientists aren’t sure what causes this licking behavior, but some believe it prevents fungus growth, which could endanger the eggs and prevent them from hatching. This maternal instinct is just one of the many interesting features of earwigs.

Throughout their lifespan, earwigs will go through a series of molts, shedding their exoskeleton in order to grow larger. Each stage of this process is known as an instar. 

Most earwigs will go through four to six instars before reaching maturity. During each molt, an earwig will grow an additional segment on its antennae, resulting in longer and more complex antennae with each molting cycle.

After the first molt, mother earwigs will open the door to their nest, allowing second instar nymphs to venture out and scavenge for food at night. Third and fourth instar nymphs, who have gone through two or three molts at this point, begin leaving the nest permanently to begin a life closer to the soil’s surface.

Female earwigs typically lay two rounds of eggs, though some may lay as many as six or as few as one. Broods laid earlier in the spring or summer, when temperatures are cooler, take longer to hatch than broods laid later in the summer, when temperatures are at their highest. 

The entire length of the earwig life cycle, from egg to adult, as well as the total lifespan, can vary. Earwigs live in the wild for about a year on average. 

But don’t let their relatively short lifespan fool you – earwigs are tough little creatures. They’re able to withstand cold temperatures and survive long periods of drought. 

Earwigs Habitat

If you’ve ever found an earwig in your home, you are not alone. These strange-looking creatures are actually quite common, and they can enter your home in a number of ways. They may hitch a ride on a pot of flowers or stow away in a grocery bag. 

They may even sneak in through cracks and crevices in hot, dry weather. Regardless of how they get inside, earwigs can be quite a nuisance.

These nocturnal creatures are most active at night when they come out to feed on other insects and plants. They are attracted to lights, which is why you often find them clustered around bright outdoor lights. 

During the day, earwigs prefer to hide in dark, moist places, such as under boards or in mulch. If you find one in your home, chances are there are more where that came from.

Fortunately, earwigs pose no threat to humans and are not known to reproduce in captivity. So if you find one scurrying around your home, there’s no need to panic. Just grab a cup and try to lure it outside. Then say goodbye to your six-legged friend.

Earwigs Diet

The majority of earwig species are actually scavengers, and their diet consists mostly of dead plants and insects. In fact, they play an important role in decomposition and recycling nutrients back into the soil. 

However, there are also some earwig species that feed on live plants, particularly seedlings. While this type of earwig is less common, it can cause damage to crops and garden plants if their populations get out of control. 

So what’s the verdict? Are earwigs friends or foe? Well, it depends. If you’re a plant seedling, you might not be a fan. But if you’re looking for something to help decompose your compost pile, these little critters might just be your new best friend.

How To Control Earwigs

Indoors

There are a few things you can do to control earwigs indoors. First, concentrate on cracks and crevices where earwigs may hide. 

Earwigs do not typically become established indoors, except in areas of high moisture, so any indoor treatments should supplement pesticide applications outside. When applied to baseboards, beneath cabinets, and other hiding places at the floor level, insecticidal dust, and residual sprays are effective. 

If you’re still seeing earwigs indoors after taking these steps, you may need to increase the frequency or intensity of your treatments. But with a little effort, you can keep these pests under control and enjoy your home in peace.

Outdoors

Earwigs are one of the many pests that can wreak havoc on your garden. These small, dark insects are known for their distinctive pincers, which they use to feed on plant leaves and flowers. Earwigs can quickly decimate a garden if left unchecked, but there are a few things you can do to control them. 

One of the most effective methods is to trap them. Earwigs are attracted to dark, moist places, so placing a shallow dish of soapy water in your garden can help to lure them in. You can also make your own traps by rolling up a piece of cardboard or newspaper and securing it with a rubber band. 

Another way to deter earwigs is to provide them with an alternative food source. Planting lettuce or other leafy greens will give them something to munch on besides your flowers, and adding a little sugar to the mix will make it even more irresistible. 

With a little effort, you can keep earwigs from taking over your garden.

Conclusion

Earwigs are fascinating creatures with an interesting life cycle and habitat. They can be beneficial to your garden, but you need to be careful if they decide to take up residence in your home. Hope you’ve gathered some valuable info before dealing with these insects in your home or garden.

Thanks for reading!