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Earwigs guide

Identify

Inspect

Treat

Prevent

How to Identify Earwigs

Earwigs, commonly referred to as "pincher bugs," are nuisance pests that occasionally invade homes or offices. These omnivorous insects eat a variety of food sources, including smaller insects, fungi, algae, and decaying plant material found on the ground.

While unpleasant to encounter indoors, earwigs primarily pose a threat to outdoor plants, such as flowers, leaves, and vegetables, especially young or tender ones. Despite their intimidating appearance and pincers, earwigs are harmless to humans.

Discover how to identify earwigs and the necessary steps to take when you spot them.

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Earwig Characteristics

Size

Adult earwigs typically measure just over half an inch in length. They feature antennae on their heads and pincer-like appendages, known as cerci, extending from their abdomen. Most earwigs are approximately the same length as the tip of a pencil.

Shape

Earwigs have elongated, narrow, and flat bodies. Like most insects, they have six legs and antennae, but they are easily distinguished by their pincers (cerci) at the tip of their abdomen.

  • Male Earwigs: Have stronger, curved pincers spaced farther apart at the base of the abdomen.
  • Female Earwigs: Feature straighter, narrower pincers that are closer together.

Some earwigs possess neatly folded wings that remain tucked against their body but can be spread for flight if necessary. Other species lack wings entirely and are flightless.

Color

Most adult earwigs are reddish-brown. Younger nymphs are typically lighter in color.

Earwig eggs are oval-shaped and white to off-white in color.

Range

Earwigs are found throughout the United States, with the highest populations in the southern and southwestern regions.

Noticed earwigs around your home? Continue to the next section of our guide to uncover their common hiding spots. Click the arrow below to learn more.

Where Do Earwigs Hide?

Earwigs may occasionally enter homes but do not reproduce indoors or pose harm to humans through bites or pinches. They primarily feed on decaying plant material and dead insects or small organisms found in lawns and gardens.

In some cases, earwigs are even considered beneficial because they help control aphid populations by feeding on these soft-bodied insects and their eggs in gardens and landscaped areas.

Identifying where earwigs hide in and around your home is an essential first step to effectively managing these pests, often referred to as "pincher bugs.

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Where Do Earwigs Live or Hide?

Earwigs seek out dark, damp environments to take shelter. Common hiding spots include items and areas that retain moisture, such as doormats, flowerpots, pavers, or tiles. These narrow, brown insects often thrive under these conditions.

Common Outdoor Hiding Places:

  • Beneath a layer of mulch
  • Inside or under stacks of firewood
  • Among discarded lawn clippings
  • Under decaying plant material on the ground

You might also find earwigs on or under plants. They often hide in or under plant buds, flowers, leaves, or along stems that offer concealment.

Earwigs Inside the Home:

Earwigs may enter homes by accident or while seeking shelter. They often slip through cracks, crevices, or holes in the structure. Once inside, earwigs look for dark, damp, and enclosed spaces to hide. Check these areas if you suspect an earwig infestation:

  • Along baseboards
  • Around windowsills or doorframes
  • Under sinks in the kitchen or bathroom
  • In crawl spaces

When Are Earwigs Active?

Earwigs are most active during warmer months, from late spring through summer. They emerge from hiding at night to forage for food. During colder months, earwigs hibernate underground, emerging in spring when the soil warms. An earwig's life cycle can last up to a year.

Pro Tip

Tip: To keep earwigs out of your home, focus on sealing exterior openings. Refer to our Earwig Prevention Guide for detailed instructions.

Spotted earwigs? Discover effective treatment methods in our earwig control guide. Unsure if the bug you found is an earwig? Check out our earwig identification guide for clarity.

Eliminating Earwigs

Earwigs, also known as "pincher bugs," may look intimidating, but they pose no harm to humans or pets. However, they can release an unpleasant odor when crushed and may feed on young plants in your yard or garden.

Follow our expert-recommended methods to prevent earwigs from entering your home, manage those already inside, and protect your outdoor plants from damage.

Not sure if you’re dealing with earwigs? Before you begin treatment, familiarize yourself with what earwigs look like and discover where they tend to hide.

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Step1 Prevent Earwig Infestations with Exclusion

Earwigs may seek shelter indoors when outdoor conditions become unfavorable. By maintaining a clean, well-maintained yard and landscaping, you can reduce the chances of earwigs finding their way into your home.

  • Reduce Harborage Areas: Clear away piles of wood, bricks, or other materials near your home that could serve as hiding spots for earwigs. Keep landscaping free of excessive mulch, thatch, or decaying plant matter.
  • Minimize Moisture: Eliminate excess moisture around your property by maintaining proper drainage and watering your lawn deeply but less frequently. This ensures roots receive adequate water while reducing surface dampness that attracts earwigs.
  • Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or openings around utility pipes, vents, or the foundation. Seal these areas to prevent earwigs and other pests from entering.

For more detailed advice on preventing earwigs, refer to our Earwigs Prevention Guide and implement proactive measures to keep these pests away.

Step2 Use Professional-Grade Insecticides to Manage Earwigs

Apply a Perimeter Spray:
Use a residual insecticide labeled for earwig control to create a protective barrier around your home. Apply the spray approximately three feet up the exterior walls and three feet out from the foundation to prevent earwigs from crawling inside.

Safety First:
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling insecticides. This includes chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Follow the product label for specific safety and PPE guidelines.

Indoor Treatments for Earwigs:
Earwigs entering your home are usually seeking moisture and shelter. To target these pests indoors, treat the following areas where they tend to hide:

  • Windowsills and door frames
  • Cracks and crevices that offer shelter or entry points
  • Along baseboards

You can also place insect glue boards in inconspicuous areas to monitor for earwig activity and assess the success of your treatment.

Outdoor Granular Baits:
For earwig control in lawns and landscaped areas, apply granular insecticide baits containing the same recommended active ingredients. Be sure not to use granular baits in the same areas where residual sprays have been applied, as this can deter earwigs from consuming the bait. Always check the bait product label for usage rates and watering instructions to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Products we recommend for Step 2

Pro Tip

Insecticides with active ingredients such as deltamethrin or bifenthrin are highly effective for earwig control. These options provide a fast knockdown of existing earwigs and deliver long-lasting residual protection, typically lasting 30–90 days.

Step3 Use All-Natural Pest Control Solutions

For a non-chemical approach to managing earwigs and other crawling pests in your lawn or home, consider using natural pest control sprays. These products often contain essential oils as the active ingredients, making them a versatile and eco-friendly option for both indoor and outdoor use.

Application Tips:

  • Always follow the instructions provided on the product label for proper use and coverage.
  • Be prepared to reapply as needed, as natural products may require multiple treatments for effective control.

Products we recommend for Step 3

After removing the earwigs from your home, explore our guide on preventing earwig infestations to keep them from coming back. Click the arrow below to learn more.

How to Stop Earwigs from Invading

An earwig crawling on a slender plant stem.

Earwigs are unwelcome visitors in any home or garden. While they don't bite or pinch humans, they can harm plants. Here are some practical tips for keeping these pests, commonly known as "pincher bugs," away from your property. Once you've identified earwigs, continue reading to discover just how simple prevention can be.

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Step1 Apply Outdoor Treatments to Prevent Earwig Infestations

To keep earwigs, also known as pincher bugs, out of your home, applying a barrier treatment with an insecticide labeled for earwig control is one of the most effective preventative measures. By carefully following the product label's instructions for application and mix rates, you can stop an infestation before it starts.

Safeguard your outdoor plants and reduce the likelihood of earwigs entering your home by treating these key areas:

  • Beneath mulch or organic ground cover where earwigs commonly hide
  • Under woodpiles or stacks of bricks that trap moisture and provide shelter
  • Around door and window frames
  • Where plumbing pipes and electrical wires penetrate the home's exterior
  • In foundation cracks and crevices

General Spray for All Pests
Granular baits like Niban are another effective option for creating an outdoor barrier in turf and landscaped areas around your property. Be sure not to use residual spray insecticides in the same areas as granular baits, as this can reduce the bait's effectiveness.

Products we recommend for Step 1

Step2 Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Adopt an integrated pest management (IPM) plan that incorporates sanitation, exclusion, and pest control to maintain an advantage over insect pests that could threaten your home or business. Below are key components of a pest prevention plan, along with a video tutorial to guide you.

  • Maintain a 6-inch dry barrier around the perimeter of your home, free of mulch or pine straw.
  • Trim trees, branches, and shrubs so they do not touch your home.
  • Remove damp leaves and other debris from around your home's foundation.
  • Apply a general insecticide around the exterior perimeter of your home.
  • Vacuum regularly to clean up food crumbs in areas where meals are prepared or consumed.
  • Eliminate indoor clutter to reduce hiding spots and shelter for pests.
  • Repair or replace damaged vent covers to prevent pest entry.

For more detailed tips and strategies, refer to our General Pest Prevention Guide and watch the instructional video below to learn how to keep your home pest-free.

We hope you found this Earwig Pest Control Guide helpful. If you’ve noticed earwigs in your home, check out our guides on common earwig hiding spots and effective methods for eliminating them to tackle the infestation.

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