Understanding Earwigs: Facts vs. Fiction

Earwigs are among the most misunderstood insects in New Zealand, surrounded by myths and misconceptions that often cause unnecessary fear. These nocturnal insects are actually more beneficial than harmful, serving as both predators of garden pests and decomposers of organic matter. However, when populations become unbalanced or they enter homes in large numbers, control measures may be necessary. Like beneficial centipedes, earwigs help control populations of harmful insects, making them different from purely problematic pests like silverfish that only cause damage.

Quick Earwig Facts

Size

12-15mm

Diet

Omnivorous

Activity

Nocturnal

Lifespan

1 year

Debunking Common Earwig Myths

Before discussing control methods, it's important to separate fact from fiction about these commonly misunderstood insects.

❌ Myth: Earwigs crawl into ears and eat brains

✅ Reality: Complete myth - earwigs have no interest in human ears

This old wives' tale has no basis in reality. Earwigs do not seek out human ears, cannot eat brains, and pose no threat to sleeping humans.

❌ Myth: Earwig pincers are dangerous to humans

✅ Reality: Pincers are weak and rarely break human skin

While earwigs may pinch when handled, their forceps are too weak to cause injury to humans. Any pinch would be minor and comparable to a light pinch from fingernails.

❌ Myth: Earwigs are purely destructive garden pests

✅ Reality: Earwigs eat many harmful insects and can be beneficial

Earwigs consume aphids, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied pests. They can actually help control harmful garden insects when populations are balanced.

❌ Myth: Earwigs live only indoors

✅ Reality: Earwigs prefer outdoor environments and enter homes accidentally

Earwigs are primarily outdoor insects that seek shelter, moisture, and food. They typically enter homes by accident or when seeking overwintering sites.

Earwig Identification Guide

Proper identification ensures you're dealing with earwigs and not other beneficial insects. Here are the key features to look for:

Body Shape

Elongated, flattened body with distinct head, thorax, and abdomen

Primary identification characteristic

Forceps (Pincers)

Curved pincers at rear of abdomen - males have more curved, females straighter

Most distinctive feature for identification

Size

12-15mm in length for adults, smaller for juveniles

Consistent size range for common species

Color

Dark brown to black, sometimes with reddish tinge

Can vary slightly but generally consistent

Antennae

Thread-like antennae about half the body length

Helps distinguish from similar insects

Wings

Short wing covers, some species have functional wings

Most New Zealand earwigs rarely fly

Beneficial Aspects of Earwigs

Before implementing control measures, consider the positive role earwigs play in your garden ecosystem. Many homeowners find that managing rather than eliminating earwigs provides better long-term results.

Pest Control Services

Earwigs consume many harmful garden pests

Feed on aphids, caterpillars, and soft-bodied insects

Can significantly reduce pest populations when balanced

Active hunters that seek out prey

Supplement other beneficial insects

Organic Matter Decomposition

Help break down dead plant material

Accelerate composting processes

Help recycle nutrients in garden soil

Clean up fallen fruit and vegetables

Part of natural ecosystem balance

Soil Aeration

Their tunneling helps improve soil structure

Create channels for water and air movement

Mix organic matter into soil layers

Help with natural soil conditioning

• Moisture from plumbing
• Dark hiding spots
• Accidentally entered

Prevention:

Reduce humidity, seal entry points, eliminate moisture sources

Effective Earwig Control Methods

Multiple approaches can be used for earwig control, from habitat modification to active elimination. The best strategy often combines several methods.

Habitat Modification

Prevention $

Removing conditions that attract earwigs

Effectiveness

Duration

Long-term

Best For

Long-term prevention and control

Application

Landscape and structural modifications

Advantages:

Addresses root causes
Long-lasting results
Environmentally friendly
Cost-effective long-term
Benefits overall property health

Considerations:

Results may take time
Requires ongoing maintenance
May need landscape changes
Weather dependent

Organic Traps

Physical $

Rolled newspaper, cardboard, or oil traps

Effectiveness

Duration

Daily emptying needed

Best For

Active monitoring and population reduction

Application

Place in areas of earwig activity, empty daily

Advantages:

Non-toxic and safe
Inexpensive materials
Easy to make and use
Good for monitoring
Immediate feedback on populations

Considerations:

Requires daily maintenance
Labor-intensive
Limited capacity
Weather can affect effectiveness

Diatomaceous Earth

Natural $

Food-grade powder that damages exoskeletons

Effectiveness

Duration

Until wet or cleaned

Best For

Natural control in dry outdoor areas

Application

Light dusting in dry areas where earwigs travel

Advantages:

Natural and organic
Safe for humans and pets
Long-lasting in dry conditions
Kills multiple pest types
No chemical resistance

Considerations:

Ineffective when wet
Requires reapplication after rain
Can be messy
Slow acting

Essential Oil Sprays

Natural Repellent $$

Peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus oil sprays

Effectiveness

Duration

1-2 weeks

Best For

Natural deterrent around entry points

Application

Spray around entry points and hiding areas

Advantages:

Pleasant scent for humans
Natural and non-toxic
Repels multiple pest types
Safe around children and pets
Easy to apply

Considerations:

Short-lived effectiveness
Requires frequent reapplication
Can be expensive
May stain some surfaces

Boric Acid

Chemical $

Powder that damages digestive system

Effectiveness

Duration

4-6 weeks

Best For

Severe infestations requiring quick control

Application

Light dusting in cracks and hiding areas

Advantages:

Highly effective
Long-lasting
Inexpensive
Multiple application methods
Works on many pest types

Considerations:

Toxic if ingested in quantity
Keep away from children and pets
Can leave visible residue
May harm beneficial insects

Professional Treatment

Comprehensive $$$

Integrated pest management approach

Effectiveness

Duration

3-6 months

Best For

Persistent problems or large properties

Application

Professional assessment and targeted treatments

Advantages:

Expert knowledge and tools
Comprehensive approach
Guaranteed results
Safe application
Ongoing support and monitoring

Considerations:

Higher upfront cost
Chemical treatments involved
Requires scheduling
May need follow-up visits

DIY Earwig Traps

Homemade traps are an effective, economical way to monitor and control earwig populations. Here are proven designs that use common household materials:

Rolled Newspaper Trap

Materials Needed:

NewspaperRubber bandsWater (optional)

Construction:

1 Roll newspaper loosely to create hiding spaces
2 Secure with rubber bands at both ends
3 Lightly dampen if weather is dry
4 Place in areas of earwig activity

Maintenance:

Check daily, shake out earwigs, replace weekly

Effectiveness:

High for monitoring and moderate control

Cost:

Very low

Oil Pitfall Trap

Materials Needed:

Shallow containersVegetable oilSmall amount of soy sauce (optional)

Construction:

1 Use shallow containers like tuna cans or jar lids
2 Fill with 1/4 inch of vegetable oil
3 Add a few drops of soy sauce as attractant
4 Bury container so rim is level with ground

Maintenance:

Check every few days, remove trapped earwigs, refill oil

Effectiveness:

Moderate to high, good for problem areas

Cost:

Low

Cardboard Roll Trap

Materials Needed:

Toilet paper rolls or paper towel tubesPetroleum jelly (optional)

Construction:

1 Use empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls
2 Crush slightly to create irregular hiding spaces
3 Apply thin layer of petroleum jelly inside (optional)
4 Place near plants or in problem areas

Maintenance:

Check daily, shake out contents, replace when worn

Effectiveness:

Moderate, good for specific problem areas

Cost:

Very low (using recycled materials)

Flower Pot Trap

Materials Needed:

Terra cotta potsStraw or newspaperPetroleum jelly

Construction:

1 Fill small terra cotta pot with straw or crumpled newspaper
2 Apply petroleum jelly around the rim
3 Invert pot and place in garden areas
4 Ensure there are small gaps for earwig entry

Maintenance:

Check weekly, empty contents, refresh materials

Effectiveness:

Good for garden areas, weather resistant

Cost:

Low to moderate

Seasonal Earwig Activity in New Zealand

Understanding seasonal patterns helps time control efforts for maximum effectiveness and prepare for peak activity periods.

Spring (September - November)

Activity Level: Emergence and Breeding

Temperature: 15-20°C optimal

Behavior: Adults emerge from overwintering, begin mating

Garden Impact: May damage seedlings and young plants

Control Focus:

Set up monitoring traps early
Apply habitat modifications before peak activity
Target overwintering sites for cleanup
Prepare organic control methods

Summer (December - February)

Activity Level: Peak Activity Period

Temperature: 20-25°C optimal for development

Behavior: Multiple generations, highest population numbers

Garden Impact: Peak feeding on plants and beneficial insect hunting

Control Focus:

Intensive trapping programs
Regular habitat management
Monitor for indoor invasions
Apply preventive treatments around structures

Autumn (March - May)

Activity Level: Seeking Overwintering Sites

Temperature: Decreasing activity as temperatures drop

Behavior: Migration to sheltered areas, reduced feeding

Garden Impact: Decreased plant damage, may enter structures

Control Focus:

Seal entry points before winter
Remove potential overwintering sites
Apply perimeter treatments
Clean up garden debris

Winter (June - August)

Activity Level: Dormant/Overwintering

Temperature: Inactive below 10°C

Behavior: Hidden in protected locations, minimal activity

Garden Impact: Little to no garden activity

Control Focus:

Plan next season's control strategy
Maintain habitat modifications
Prepare materials for spring control
Monitor indoor areas for occasional activity

Garden Management for Earwig Control

Proper garden management significantly reduces earwig populations while maintaining a healthy landscape environment.

Mulched Areas

Common Issues:

Provides ideal habitat
Retains moisture
Offers hiding places

Effective Solutions:

Keep mulch 12 inches away from building foundations
Use inorganic mulch (gravel, bark chips) near structures
Reduce mulch depth to 2 inches maximum
Choose mulch that drains well and dries quickly

Plant Selection and Placement

Common Issues:

Dense plantings create humid microclimates
Some plants attract earwigs

Effective Solutions:

Choose plants that don't require excessive watering
Space plants to allow air circulation
Avoid dense groundcover near building foundations
Consider earwig-resistant plant varieties

Watering Practices

Common Issues:

Overwatering creates ideal conditions
Evening watering increases overnight moisture

Effective Solutions:

Water early morning to allow drying during day
Use drip irrigation to minimize surface moisture
Water deeply but less frequently
Avoid watering late in the day

Garden Maintenance

Common Issues:

Debris provides hiding places
Overgrown areas create shelter

Effective Solutions:

Regular removal of plant debris and fallen leaves
Keep grass and weeds trimmed around foundations
Remove or relocate compost bins away from house
Maintain clear space between plants and structures

Important Reminder

Remember that earwigs provide natural pest control services. Complete elimination may lead to increased populations of aphids, caterpillars, and other garden pests that earwigs normally consume.

Professional Earwig Management

For persistent earwig problems or large-scale infestations, professional pest control services can provide comprehensive management solutions. Our specialists understand the balance between control and beneficial insect preservation.

Balanced Approach

Management rather than elimination

Habitat Modification

Long-term environmental solutions

Integrated Methods

Multiple control strategies

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