Are Earwigs Dangerous?

The Big Takeaways:

• Earwigs look intimidating because of their pincers and the myths surrounding them, but they are generally harmless to people. They do not bite, they rarely pinch, and they are not capable of crawling into your ear in the way the old stories claim.
• Although earwigs are nuisance pests rather than dangerous ones, they often appear in damp, dark areas or enter through openings created by other issues such as termites, carpenter ants, rodents, or moisture damage in the home.
• Finding earwigs indoors can be an early warning sign of a larger problem. Addressing an earwig infestation helps uncover structural or pest-related issues, and professional pest control can identify and treat the true source of the activity.

Though only about 6 to 25 mm in length, an earwig can look like a fairly intimidating insect. It may be because of its formidable pincers on the end of its abdomen. It may be because they are known for crawling into the ears of sleeping people and laying their  eggs.

Whatever the reason that has driven you here to find out whether or not earwigs are dangerous, we’re glad you stopped by.

There are many dangerous insects that can get into our homes. They come to bite us, inject our skin with venom, infect us with pathogens, and taint our foods and food prep surfaces with harmful bacteria. Fortunately, the earwig is not one of these.

Do Earwigs Really Crawl Into Ears?

It is very unlikely that an earwig will ever crawl into your ear, and it’s impossible for an earwig to eat your brains, as the myths about these insects suggest. It is technically possible, however, for an earwig to get into your ear. They like moist, warm places and, unfortunately, your ear checks those boxes. 

But it is a very uncommon occurrence. You are more likely to find these bugs in your cellar, basement, or in the crawl space under your home, especially if there is soil or moisture.

Can Earwigs Bite Me?

Earwigs don’t bite people, but they can pinch. Those pincers on their abdomen are a weapon they use to defend themselves.

While they aren’t likely to pinch you, and those pincers are unlikely  to break the skin, a pinch from an earwig may hurt. But, for the most part, you have nothing to fear from these insects. Earwigs are considered a nuisance pest.

Where Do Earwigs Live?

Be aware that earwigs live in the ground and they can come in contact with harmful bacteria. If you have an open wound that is exposed to earwigs, it is important to apply some form of antibacterial lotion to the wound.

How Do Earwigs Get Inside My Home?

Once again, earwigs fall into the harmless category. But having an earwig problem in your home could be a warning sign of something else that is dangerous

If you have carpenter ants, termites, or some other wood-destroying organism, earwigs will use the holes they create to get into your home.

If you have holes that have been formed by rodents, earwigs will use those holes as well. And, if your home is being damaged by water overflow from a broken or obstructed gutter system, earwigs will take advantage of this as well.

Signs of an Earwig Problem

Earwigs are most active at night, so you may not notice them right away. Instead, the first signs often show up around the areas where they hide during the day. Look for activity in damp, shaded locations such as basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces. You may also spot them under sinks, around floor drains, or near foundation entry points.

Outdoors, earwigs gather under mulch, wet leaves, stones, and decaying wood. Seeing large numbers in these areas can indicate conditions that may lead them indoors. Inside your home, repeated sightings of multiple earwigs within a short period usually point to a moisture issue or an entry point that needs attention. While earwigs are considered nuisance insects, consistent activity is a sign that something in or around your home is attracting them and should be checked.

How Do I Get Rid of Earwigs?

While earwigs aren’t a direct danger to your home, you should never let them go untreated.

Dealing with an earwig problem can help point to a more dangerous threat to your home. While you don’t have to worry about earwigs laying their eggs inside your ear or eating away at your house while you sleep, they are a warning sign you should not ignore.

American Pest uses the most advanced pest protocols to deal with earwig infestations, and our pest specialists record everything they find, so you’ll know what the real threat is. Give us a call today for immediate assistance.