Earwigs

Earwigs are flattened, elongate, dark brown to black insects with prominent pincers at the end of their abdomen. With the pincers included, they are about 1 inch in length. They have short leathery wings, but do not fly. They’re often found hiding in damp areas under logs and rocks in the landscape.

Texas has 10 species of earwigs and only 4 are the most common pests: the ringlegged earwig (Euborellia annulipes), the riparian earwig (Labidura riparia), the linear earwig (Doru lineare), and the brown-winged earwig (Vostox brunneipennis). Earwigs are the only members of the Order Dermaptera. Within Dermaptera there are only 5 families. Four families contain species that are pests in Texas: Anisolabididae, Labiduridae Forficulidae, and Spongiphoridae.

Life Cycle

Female earwigs lay their eggs in a “nest” they make in the soil. They can lay from 20 to 300 eggs, depending on the species and conditions. The females guard and clean the eggs as well as the newly hatched nymphs. The nymphs are similar in appearance the adults and go through 4 molts before becoming adults. Earwigs usually have 2 generations per year. Earwigs usually live about a year, but can live as long as 3 years. They feed on insects and decaying plant matter outside and, during the warmer months, they may start to invade indoors. They are unable to reproduce indoors, so their presence is always a result of invasion from outside.

Why are they Pests?

Earwigs get their name from an old myth that they would enter a sleeping person’s ear and drill into their brain. In spite of this myth and the scary looking pincers they have on their hind end, they’re actually harmless. A few species emit a foul smelling odor when disturbed, and one species feeds some on plants, but that’s the extent of their danger. The main reason they are a pest is that they are a nuisance when they are found indoors.

Earwig Control

Earwigs are included in our Basic Quarterly Service. Pest control service should reduce the number of earwigs found indoors to 1 or fewer per month. We expect maximum control within 10 days after treatment.

Moisture control is a big help in reducing the number of earwigs that can invade your house. Water your lawn only when needed (2 or 3 times per week during the Summer), keep foliage and grass trimmed away from the foundation, and avoid using excessive mulch (no more than 3 inches).

Exterior applications of any Pyrethroid will prevent earwigs from becoming a problem. If earwigs do flare up, an indoor treatment targeting bathrooms and doorways may be needed to gain control. Adding a synergist like piperonyl butoxide can greatly assist in bringing earwigs under control. Green insecticides like Pyrethrin, Indoxacarb, or Dinotefuran are also effective against earwigs. Additionally, a granule bait may be applied outdoors to help reduce their abundance and gain control.