Why Are There Earwigs in the House?

Why Are There Earwigs in My House?

There are several common reasons earwigs end up indoors. Figuring out the cause is the first step to solving the problem.

Reason 1: They Crawled In from Outside

Earwigs are outdoor insects by nature. They live in gardens, grass, and under stones. An earwig can travel more than ten meters in a single night — going from the yard into your house only takes a few hours. These conditions push them indoors:

• Heavy rain floods their hiding spots in the soil, driving them toward the house
• Hot, dry weather sends them looking for more humid surroundings
• Cooling fall temperatures make them search for warm places to overwinter

Reason 2: You Brought Them In

Earwigs are small and love squeezing into tight spaces. It's easy to carry them inside without noticing:

• Moving potted plants — earwigs hide in the drainage holes on the bottom
• Picking up cardboard boxes — they tuck into the corrugated layers or underneath
• Bringing in laundry from the line — earwigs can cling to clothing
• Produce and grocery packaging can also harbor hitchhikers

Reason 3: Your Home Already Has Ideal Conditions

If your home is damp and has plenty of hiding spots, earwigs that enter won't want to leave:

• Bathrooms and kitchens that stay humid
• Clutter piled in corners, creating sheltered gaps
• Decaying plant material or organic debris that serves as food

Reason 4: There's Food for Them Inside

Earwigs are omnivores. If they find things they like to eat indoors, they'll stick around:

• Dead leaves and dropped petals from indoor plants
• Food crumbs on the kitchen floor
• Small flies and gnats in the bathroom (earwigs also hunt small insects)

How to Figure Out the Cause

• Earwigs appear after rain → they probably crawled in from outside
• They showed up after you got a new plant → likely hitched a ride in the pot
• They've been around for a while, and the bathroom has the most → your home provides a suitable habitat