Debunking Common Earwig Myths: What You Really Need to Know

There is one bug that creeps out nearly everyone – earwigs. They have long bodies with scary pincers, and their name sounds like it came from a horror movie. You may have heard the rumors. They get inside your ears. They lay eggs in your brain. They bite. They damage homes. But how much of that is true? 

Spoiler: not much. Let us bust the biggest earwig myths and show you that these little “pinchers” are not nearly as scary as people think they are. For more on how we handle pests like these, View site to learn about our professional pest control services.

The Scary Name That Started It All 

Earwigs have a bad reputation. A lot of people think they are dangerous bugs. Some people think they get into the ears and damage the brain. This thought has been around for a very long time. But it is only a myth. 

“Earwig” comes from Old English and means “ear creature.” But these bugs do not really get into people’s ears. They like to stay outside in wet places. If one ends up in your ear, it is just an accident, not an invasion. 

Do They Bite? 

An earwig biting them is something that many people are very afraid of. The truth? They do not bite in the way you think. They have small pincers on the back of their bodies. These look like very small claws. They keep earwigs safe or help them fight other earwigs. 

If you grab them, they might pinch you sometimes. That pinch is not very strong, though. Most of the time, it does not even hurt. There is no venom and no infection. It should only be a small pinch, and only if the earwig is scared. 

Are They Poisonous? 

A lot of people think earwigs are poisonous. That is not true. They do not have venom. You can not get sick from them. They are not like wasps or spiders. 

There is no harm done if an earwig crawls on your skin. You do not need to panic. They are not out to harm humans. 

Do They Eat Wood? 

A lot of people say that earwigs are like termites. They think that earwigs destroy furniture and chew on wood. This is also a myth. Wood is not what earwigs eat. They do hide under piles of wood, but that is because they like being damp and alone. 

What they eat is very different. They eat dead bugs, plants that are going bad, and sometimes healthy leaves. It could be them if you find holes in your plants. But they are not interested in the wooden parts of your house. 

Where Do They Live? 

These critters like to hide in a moist, dark environment. You find them under mulch, stones, and leaves. They avoid the light and only come out at night. That is why you do not see them much during the day.

They could enter the house if it has many damp areas, such as basements or bathrooms. They are not going to last, however. They typically do not nest or breed indoors. They just come in on their own, looking for food or a place to hide.

Can You Keep Them Away? 

Yes. You can stop earwigs from coming inside, but first, make sure everything is dry. Earwigs love wet places. Fix any leaks, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure that the ground around your house does not stay soggy. 

Fill in holes and cracks in your doors and walls. Clean up your yard. Take away any piles of dirt, leaves, or old wood. These are great places for earwigs to hide. Rolls of newspaper can be used as traps inside. Just throw them away in the morning. 

You can keep them out of your yard and home by taking a few easy steps. So, the next time you see one, remember – it is more afraid of you than you are of it.