| Scientific name | Forficula auricularia |
|---|---|
| Group | Centipedes, Millipedes & Crawlers |
| Size | 12–20 mm (up to about 0.79 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Red |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Garden or plants, Bathroom and Basement or garage |
| Most active | Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The earwig is a medium-sized member of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers group. Wingless ground crawlers, many with far more than six legs. Check for these three features:
- Forceps-like pincers at the end of the abdomen
- Flat, reddish-brown body with short wing covers
- Hides in damp crevices, mulch and under pots
About this bug
A slender, reddish-brown insect with a pair of pincers on its tail. Earwigs hide under mulch and pots by day and chew seedlings, flowers and soft fruit at night.
You'll usually find earwigs in gardens and on plants, in the bathroom and in basements and garages. They are most active in summer.
Is it dangerous?
Earwigs can pinch but are harmless, and they do not crawl into ears.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see earwigs
Earwigs are most active in summer. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: garden or plants, bathroom and basement or garage.
About centipedes, millipedes & crawlers
The earwig is one of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers. This group gathers wingless crawlers that people often lump together: centipedes, millipedes, silverfish, earwigs, springtails, booklice and pill bugs. Most need high humidity to survive and dry out quickly in dry air.
Because moisture is the common thread, a dehumidifier and fixed leaks often do more than any insecticide.
What to do about it
- Set rolled damp newspaper or oil traps and empty them each morning
- Reduce mulch and debris next to the foundation
- Fix leaky outdoor faucets and improve drainage
Bugs that look similar
Wings: Earwigs have wings, while silverfish are usually seen without them.
Frequently asked questions
What does an earwig look like?
Forceps-like pincers at the end of the abdomen. Adults measure 12–20 mm (up to about 0.79 in).
Does the earwig bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Earwigs can pinch but are harmless, and they do not crawl into ears.
Where do earwigs live?
Earwigs live in gardens and on plants, in the bathroom and in basements and garages.
When are earwigs most active?
Mostly in summer.