Unsettling Appearance, Minimal Threat—but Not Welcome Indoors
Earwigs are small, long-bodied insects most recognizable by the pair of pincers (forceps) on the back of their abdomen. While their appearance often causes alarm, earwigs are not dangerous to humans or pets. They don’t bite or spread disease—but they can become a nuisance when they invade homes, especially in moist or shaded areas. At Blackwood Pest Solutions, we help identify and eliminate earwig infestations both inside and around your property. Whether they’re showing up in sinks, bathrooms, or gardens, our team provides effective and safe solutions to keep them out.
Common Types of Earwigs
Only a few species are commonly found in residential or commercial areas in the U.S., and these are the ones you’re most likely to encounter:
European Earwig (Forficula auricularia)
- The most widespread earwig in the U.S.
- Reddish-brown body, around ½ to ¾ inch long
- Males have curved forceps, females have straighter pincers
- Active at night and drawn to moisture, mulch, and decaying matter
- Can enter homes through cracks or under doors in search of shelter
Ringlegged Earwig (Euborellia annulipes)
- Smaller and darker than the European earwig
- Named for the faint bands on their legs
- Prefers humid environments and often found in soil, mulch, and potted plants
- Sometimes found in basements, crawl spaces, and greenhouses
These species do not infest food, sting, or transmit disease, but their sudden indoor presence can be unsettling—and they may damage seedlings, flowers, or soft fruit outdoors.
Signs of an Earwig Infestation
- Sightings of fast-moving, pincher-backed insects in bathrooms, kitchens, or garages
- Earwigs congregating under pots, mulch, stones, or damp cardboard
- Presence of earwigs in sink drains, laundry rooms, or entryways during wet weather
- Indoor activity typically increases after heavy rain or when outside areas are overly moist
Earwigs are nocturnal and will hide during the day, often making infestations harder to detect in early stages.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
Despite their menacing look, earwigs:
- Do not sting or bite
- Are not poisonous or venomous
- Pose no structural or health risks
- May occasionally pinch if handled, but this is rare and not harmful
The real issue lies in high indoor activity, plant damage, or the general discomfort they cause occupants.
Earwig Prevention Tips
- Reduce moisture around foundations, downspouts, and garden beds
- Eliminate mulch or leaf buildup that holds dampness close to the building
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and vents
- Use a dehumidifier in crawl spaces, basements, or bathrooms
- Trim back vegetation that touches exterior walls
- Keep exterior lights to a minimum to avoid attracting earwigs and other insects
Our Earwig Control Approach
At Blackwood Pest Solutions, we take a targeted, prevention-first approach to earwig control. After identifying where earwigs are entering and hiding—typically in damp, shaded, or cluttered areas—we apply EPA-registered treatments to eliminate current activity and disrupt breeding zones. We also focus on reducing excess moisture and sealing entry points to stop future infestations. Whether they’re gathering in your garden beds or sneaking into bathrooms and garages, our team provides safe, effective, and long-lasting relief.
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