15 Interesting Facts About Earwigs That’ll Make You Say, “Wait, What?”
When you hear the word “earwig,” your first instinct might be to shudder, squirm, or swat at imaginary bugs. But hold onto your insecticide—because these creepy-crawly critters are more fascinating than their pincers (and reputation) suggest. Here are 15 weird, wild, and downright mind-blowing facts about earwigs that’ll have you seeing them in a whole new light.
(Or at least with less screaming.)
🦗 1. No, They Don’t Crawl Into Your Ears (Stop Googling It).
Let’s squash this myth like… well, an earwig. Despite their name, earwigs do NOT crawl into human ears, burrow into brains, or lay eggs in your skull. The name comes from old European folklore, which proves people have been unnecessarily dramatic for centuries. Earwigs prefer damp soil, not your auditory canal.
Bonus Fact: If something is crawling in your ear, it’s probably not an earwig. (Sorry.)
✂️ 2. Those Pincers? They’re Not for You.
The menacing forceps-like pincers (called cerci) look like earwig weapons, but they’re mostly used for:
- Defense against predators (or to look tough at bug parties)
- Mating displays (because nothing says romance like sharp rear appendages)
- Folding their wings like tiny origami artists
Yes, they can pinch humans if provoked, but it’s like being nipped with tweezers. No venom. No danger. Just mild bug attitude.
🌍 3. They’re Everywhere… Except Antarctica.
Earwigs are basically the global backpackers of the insect world. You’ll find them on every continent except Antarctica. Apparently, even earwigs draw the line at sub-zero temps and penguin roommates.
🦸 4. They Have Wings—But They’d Rather Not Use Them.
Many earwigs have wings folded underneath short, leathery covers. Their wings are intricate, like tiny, delicate fans. Can they fly? Technically, yes. Do they fly? Only when absolutely necessary. Imagine an insect doing the bug equivalent of a clumsy leap into the air, flapping awkwardly, and crash-landing three feet away.
Flight score: 2/10. Would not recommend.
👩👧 5. Earwig Moms Deserve a Parenting Award.
Unlike many insects that lay eggs and peace out, earwig moms are devoted caregivers. They:
- Guard their eggs like little insect bodyguards
- Clean the eggs to prevent mold (yes, bug hygiene is a thing)
- Feed their young after hatching
Basically, they’re the PTA moms of the bug world, minus the bake sales.
🌱 6. They Eat… Pretty Much Everything.
Earwigs are omnivores, meaning they’ll chow down on:
- Decaying plant matter
- Dead insects
- Fruits and veggies (sorry, gardeners)
- Mold, fungi, and occasionally your leftover guilt for not cleaning the fridge
They’re nature’s cleanup crew—with an appetite.
🚪 7. Why Are They in Your House? (Spoiler: It’s Your Fault.)
Earwigs sneak indoors when:
- It’s too dry outside (they love moisture)
- Heavy rain floods their homes
- They’re following the ultimate temptation: light sources at night
If you’ve got earwigs inside, check for leaky pipes, damp basements, and poorly sealed doors. Your house is basically a five-star resort for them.
🎤 8. They’re Not Silent—Some Can Make Sounds!
While not exactly the Adele of the insect world, some earwig species can produce faint sounds by rubbing body parts together, a process called stridulation. It’s mostly for communication during mating or territorial disputes. Tiny bug drama? Love it.
🐞 9. They’re Accidental Garden Helpers (Sometimes).
Yes, they’ll nibble on your flowers, but earwigs also eat harmful garden pests like aphids and mites. In small numbers, they’re like your garden’s unpaid pest control. The key? Balance. Too many, and they’ll snack on your plants instead.
⏳ 10. They Can Survive Without Food for Over a Week.
Earwigs are surprisingly resilient. No food? No problem. They can survive for up to two weeks without eating, relying on stored energy. If only our houseplants were this low-maintenance.
🕳️ 11. They Love Tight, Cramped Spaces.
Earwigs are thigmotactic, which is a fancy way of saying they like the feeling of something touching them on all sides. This is why they wedge themselves into cracks, crevices, under rocks, and—unfortunately—sometimes your laundry.
🧬 12. Their Name Has Ancient Roots (Blame Old English).
The word “earwig” comes from Old English:
- “ēare” = ear
- “wicga” = insect
So, literally: “ear insect.” Thanks, ancient linguists, for the nightmare fuel.
🥷 13. They’re Night Owls (Or Night Bugs?).
Earwigs are nocturnal, meaning they party hard after dark. During the day, they hide in cool, damp spots. At night, they emerge like tiny insect ninjas, foraging for food and possibly starring in your next horror story.
🧠 14. They’re Older Than Dinosaurs (Mic Drop).
Earwig fossils date back over 200 million years, meaning these bugs were skittering around while T. rex was still in dino diapers. They’ve survived mass extinctions, climate shifts, and now… your bathroom floor.
🔥 15. They Don’t Like Fire—But Love Light.
Earwigs are phototactic, meaning they’re drawn to light sources at night. Porch lights? Bug magnet. Campfires? Instant insect rave. If you don’t want them around, use yellow “bug lights” outdoors—they find them less attractive.
🤔 Still Curious About Earwigs?
Ready to dive deeper into the weird world of these pincered pests?
👉 Click here for expert tips on dealing with earwigs—and how to keep them out of your home for good.