Few insects are as unfairly maligned as the earwig. The very name conjures an unsettling image — derived from the Old English earwicga, meaning "ear creature" — and the prominent pincers (cerci) at the rear of the body do nothing to improve their reputation. Yet earwigs are, for the most part, harmless, beneficial garden inhabitants that pose no threat to human health. Let us separate fact from fiction.
The Ear Myth: Busted
The most persistent myth about earwigs is that they crawl into people's ears while they sleep and burrow into the brain. This is entirely false. There is no evidence that earwigs are attracted to human ears, and they certainly cannot burrow into brain tissue. The myth likely arose from the insect's preference for dark, narrow crevices, which superficially resembles the ear canal. While it is theoretically possible for any small insect to accidentally wander into a sleeping person's ear, this is extremely rare and earwigs are no more likely to do so than any other insect.
Did you know? The European earwig (Forficula auricularia) is one of the few insects that displays genuine maternal care. The female guards her eggs throughout winter, regularly cleaning them to prevent fungal infection. After hatching, she continues to protect and feed her nymphs for several weeks — a remarkable behaviour for a non-social insect.
What About the Pincers?
The forceps-like cerci at the earwig's rear are its most recognisable feature. Males have curved pincers; females have straighter ones. These structures serve multiple purposes:
- Defence: When threatened, earwigs raise their pincers in a scorpion-like posture. They can deliver a mild pinch, but this is rarely strong enough to break human skin.
- Predation: Pincers help grasp small prey such as aphids and mites
- Courtship: Males use their pincers during mating rituals and in combat with rival males
- Wing folding: Earwigs have remarkably complex hind wings that fold into tiny packages beneath short wing covers; the cerci assist in the intricate folding process
Can Earwigs Hurt You?
- Pinch: Earwigs can pinch with their cerci, but it is rarely painful and almost never breaks the skin
- Venom: Earwigs have no venom and do not sting
- Disease: Earwigs do not transmit any diseases to humans
- Allergies: Earwigs are not known to cause allergic reactions
- Verdict: Earwigs are essentially harmless to humans
Earwigs in the Garden: Friend or Foe?
Earwigs occupy a dual role in the garden ecosystem. They are omnivores, feeding on both plant material and small invertebrates, which means they can be both helpful and occasionally problematic:
| Beneficial Roles | Potential Nuisance |
|---|---|
| Eating aphids, mites, and insect eggs | Nibbling soft petals (dahlias, chrysanthemums) |
| Consuming decaying plant matter (recycling nutrients) | Damaging ripe soft fruit (strawberries, raspberries) |
| Preying on codling moth eggs in orchards | Feeding on seedlings in very large numbers |
| Providing food for birds, frogs, and hedgehogs | Entering houses in search of shelter (nuisance only) |
On balance, earwigs are far more beneficial than harmful in most gardens. Their consumption of aphids and other plant pests typically outweighs the minor cosmetic damage they may cause to flowers and fruit.
UK Earwig Species
The UK is home to four species of earwig, though only one is commonly encountered:
- European earwig (Forficula auricularia): By far the most common species; found in gardens throughout the UK
- Lesser earwig (Labia minor): Smaller (5–7 mm); associated with compost heaps and dung
- Lesne's earwig (Forficula lesnei): Rare; confined to southern England
- Short-winged earwig (Apterygida media): Uncommon; found in southern England in grassland
Managing Earwigs in the Garden
If earwigs are causing damage to prized plants, the following measures can help without resorting to pesticides:
- Trap and relocate: Place upturned flower pots stuffed with straw on canes near affected plants. Earwigs will shelter inside during the day and can be shaken out elsewhere in the garden.
- Barrier methods: Smear petroleum jelly around the stems of prize dahlias and chrysanthemums to prevent earwigs climbing up.
- Encourage predators: Birds, frogs, toads, and hedgehogs all eat earwigs. A wildlife-friendly garden keeps earwig numbers naturally in check.
- Accept minor damage: A few nibbled petals are a small price for the pest control services earwigs provide elsewhere in the garden.
- Reduce hiding places near the house: If earwigs are entering your home, clear leaf litter and debris from around doorways and seal gaps in door frames.
Key Takeaway
Earwigs are not dangerous. They do not crawl into ears, they cannot sting, and their pincers are too weak to cause injury to humans. In the garden, they are predominantly beneficial, feeding on aphids and recycling decaying matter. While they may nibble soft flower petals and ripe fruit, their positive contributions far outweigh the minor damage they occasionally cause. These much-maligned insects deserve a better reputation.