European Earwigs

What Are European Earwigs?

European earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are an invasive species of earwigs, originally native to Europe but now widely distributed throughout North America and other parts of the world. They are part of the order Dermaptera, a group characterized by a pair of forceps-like pincers on the abdomen. These pincers, or cerci, are one of their most distinctive features and serve different purposes depending on the sex—males have more curved pincers used in mating rituals and defense, while females have straighter ones.

Are European Earwigs Harmful?

European earwigs (Forficula auricularia) can be harmful under certain conditions, though their impact varies depending on the environment and their population density. While they are not inherently dangerous to humans or pets, they can be a significant nuisance and cause damage in both residential and agricultural settings:

Household Nuisance

European earwigs often enter homes in search of food, moisture, or shelter, especially during hot or dry weather. Issues they may cause indoors:

• Congregate in damp, dark areas like bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms
• Emerge at night and crawl on surfaces, sometimes alarming homeowners
• Produce a foul odor when crushed
• Pinch if handled (using their cerci), though this is not medically harmful

Verdict: While they do not bite, sting, or transmit disease, their presence can be unsettling and persistent.

Harm to Plants and Gardens

European earwigs are omnivorous, and while they do eat small insect pests such as aphids, mites, and insect eggs, they also consume a variety of plant material, which can make them a problem in gardens and farms. They may:

• Chew holes in flower petals, leaves, and soft fruits (e.g., strawberries, peaches, apricots)
• Damage vegetable crops like lettuce, cabbage, and corn
• Feed on seedlings and tender shoots, stunting growth or killing young plants

Verdict: In large numbers, earwigs can cause considerable cosmetic and economic damage to plants and crops.

Myths and Misconceptions

The name "earwig" comes from the ancient (and false) belief that these insects crawl into human ears to lay eggs or burrow into the brain. This myth has no basis in scientific fact:

• Earwigs do not infest human ears.
• They are not parasitic.
• They do not pose any direct health risk to humans.

Verdict: Despite their intimidating appearance, they are not physically dangerous to people.

European Earwig Appearance

European earwigs (Forficula auricularia) have a very distinctive appearance that makes them relatively easy to identify. They are medium-sized insects with a flattened, elongated body and forceps-like pincers at the rear, which are one of their most recognizable features:

• Adult length: 12 to 15 mm (about ½ to ⅝ inch), not including the pincers
• Nymphs (immature earwigs): Smaller and lighter in color, but with a similar body shape
• Body: Reddish-brown to dark brown
• Legs and antennae: Lighter brown, often yellowish
• Flattened, elongated body: This allows them to hide easily in tight crevices.
• Segmented abdomen: Gives a flexible, slightly curled look.
• Antennae: Long, thin, and segmented—typically 12–15 segments. Constantly in motion as they explore surroundings
• Wings: Hardened forewings (elytra) that are short and leathery, covering part of the abdomen. Membranous hindwings folded underneath, rarely used. Despite having wings, European earwigs seldom fly
• Pincers (Cerci): Located at the rear of the abdomen, these are the most distinguishing feature. Used for defense, mating displays, and capturing prey. Males: More curved and robust, often forming a symmetrical or sickle-shaped arc. Females: Straighter and more slender. 
• Nymphs (Juveniles): Look like miniature adults, but without fully developed wings and with smaller, less defined pincers. Undergo 4–5 molts before reaching adulthood

European Earwig Habitat

European earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are found in a wide range of habitats across North America, Europe, and many other temperate regions globally. Originally native to Europe, they were accidentally introduced to North America in the early 20th century and have since become well-established invasive pests in many regions.

Geographic Distribution

Global Presence

Native to: Most of Europe, parts of Western Asia, and North Africa

Introduced and established in:

• North America (most of the United States and southern Canada)
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Parts of South America

In North America, they are most commonly found:

• Along the Pacific Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)
• In the Northeast and Midwest (New York, Michigan, Illinois)
• Expanding into more central and southern states due to increased urbanization and climate adaptability

Local Habitats & Microenvironments

European earwigs prefer dark, damp, and cool environments, which means they are most commonly found:

Outdoors

• Under rocks, logs, mulch, leaf litter, and flower pots
• Inside compost piles or under woodpiles
• In the thatch layer of lawns and dense vegetation
• Around irrigated garden beds, especially where moisture is retained
• Under loose bark, especially on dying or fallen trees

They’re particularly abundant in:

• Irrigated landscapes
• Vegetable gardens
• Orchards, especially those with decaying fruit or heavy mulch layers

Indoors

European earwigs often enter homes when outdoor conditions become too dry, hot, or cold. Once inside, they are typically found in:

• Basements
• Laundry rooms
• Bathrooms
• Under sinks, behind baseboards, or in wall voids
• Garages, especially near doors and stored boxes

Indoor infestations often peak in late summer to early fall, when outdoor populations are at their highest and conditions begin to change.