How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your Home and Garden?
What Is That Bug with Pincers on Its Tail?
The bug with a pair of large pincers on its rear end is called an earwig. Its distinctive look makes it hard to forget once you've seen one.
What Does an Earwig Look Like?
- Slender, flattened body, reddish-brown to dark brown, 1–2 cm long
- A pair of long, thin, thread-like antennae on the head, about half the body length
- A pair of movable pincer-like forceps (cerci) at the tail end
- Some have wings and can fly; others are wingless
- The open pincers look intimidating, but they're actually a defense tool
- Earwigs are attracted to light and may fly toward lit windows at night
Earwig Habits
Earwigs prefer dark, damp places. During the day they hide under rocks, flower pots, and bark crevices. They come out at night to feed. They're omnivores, eating both decaying plant matter and organic debris as well as hunting small insects like aphids and gnats.
Why Are They in My House?
Earwigs usually end up indoors for one of these reasons:
- Your home is too humid — damp bathrooms and kitchens attract them
- They crawled in through gaps under doors
- You accidentally brought them in with potted plants or cardboard boxes
- Heavy rain flooded their outdoor hiding spots and drove them inside
What Are Those Pincers For?
The pincers on an earwig's tail are mainly for defense and catching prey. When disturbed, an earwig will raise its pincers in a threat display. At worst, a pinch feels like a light nip and rarely breaks the skin. There's no need to be afraid of them.