Can European Earwigs Bite?
European earwigs (Forficula auricularia) technically can bite, but it’s extremely rare. Their mouthparts are capable of breaking skin, yet they almost never use them defensively or offensively against people. Instead, these earwigs rely on their cerci—the pincer-like appendages at the end of their abdomen—for defense, grasping, and mating.
Do European Earwigs Bite?
European earwigs are most likely to bite only in very specific and uncommon situations, as biting is not part of their normal behavior. These insects are generally timid and prefer to hide rather than attack. However, a bite might occur when an earwig feels trapped or threatened and cannot escape. Typical situations include:
Being trapped against skin or clothing – If an earwig gets caught in a shirt sleeve, pant leg, shoe, or bed sheet, it may bite defensively while trying to free itself.
Rough handling – Picking up an earwig or squeezing it too tightly can trigger a defensive reaction, leading to a rare bite or, more commonly, a pinch from its forceps.
Disturbing hiding spots – When gardeners, homeowners, or pest professionals disturb leaf litter, mulch, flowerpots, or damp debris where earwigs hide, a startled earwig might bite or pinch in response.
Accidental skin contact at night – Earwigs are nocturnal and sometimes wander indoors. If one crawls onto a sleeping person and becomes trapped, it may bite or pinch out of panic.
Even in these situations, a European earwig bite is mild, short-lived, and harmless, posing no medical risk beyond minor irritation.
European Earwig Bites
Bites from European earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are extremely low-risk. They are not venomous, do not inject toxins, and are not known to transmit diseases. The potential risks are mostly limited to minor, localized effects, such as:
Mild skin irritation or redness – The bite may cause a small red mark or slight swelling, similar to a minor pinch or scratch.
Minor pain or discomfort – Some people might feel brief stinging or tenderness where the bite occurred, but it usually resolves quickly.
Scratching or secondary infection – If the bite site is scratched excessively, there is a small risk of bacterial infection, like any minor skin break.
Allergic reaction (rare) – True allergic reactions to earwig bites are extremely uncommon, but sensitive individuals could experience localized itching or swelling.
Overall, the medical risk is negligible, and most people do not require any treatment beyond basic first aid, such as washing the area with soap and water and applying a mild antiseptic if needed.
What Do European Earwig Bites Look Like?
European earwig bites are very subtle and often hard to distinguish from minor scratches or pinches. If a bite does occur, the typical appearance includes:
Small red or pink marks – Usually one or two tiny punctures or a short line where the mandibles contacted the skin.
Mild swelling – Slight puffiness around the bite may appear for a few hours.
Minimal bruising – Occasionally a small bruise forms if the bite was combined with a pinch from their forceps.
Itching or tenderness – The area may feel slightly irritated or sore, but the discomfort is usually mild and short-lived.
Most bites are so minor that they often go unnoticed or are mistaken for other insect bites or scrapes. Unlike bites from mosquitoes or spiders, they do not form blisters or welts and heal quickly without treatment.
What To Do About European Earwig Bites
If you get bitten by a European earwig, the steps are simple because the bite is generally mild and low-risk:
Clean the area – Wash the bite gently with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or bacteria.
Apply antiseptic – Use an over-the-counter antiseptic or antibacterial ointment to reduce the risk of infection.
Reduce irritation – If the area itches or feels sore, a cool compress or an anti-itch cream like hydrocortisone can help.
Monitor for infection – Keep an eye out for signs such as increasing redness, swelling, pus, or warmth around the bite. If any of these appear, seek medical attention.
Avoid scratching – Scratching can introduce bacteria and slow healing.
In most cases, the bite will heal on its own within a day or two. Serious complications are extremely rare, as European earwigs are not venomous and do not transmit disease.