Earwigs are scavengers that come out at night to eat decaying organic rubbish, plus grass, plants, flowers, berries, shrubs, moss, and other insects -- dead or alive -- such as caterpillars and... Earwigs are beneficial insects that primarily consume dead plants and other insects, contributing to garden cleanliness. While earwigs can cause minor plant damage, their benefits generally outweigh ...

Understanding the Context

Dayton Daily News: Earwigs have been feeding on flowers and foliage this growing season Smithsonian Magazine: A Deep Look Into the Wacky and Wild Lives of Earwigs Few people are fond of earwigs, with their menacing abdominal pincers—whether they’re skittering across your floor, getting comfy in the folds of your camping tent or minding their own business. Earwigs are found on all continents except Antarctica. Earwigs are mostly nocturnal and often hide in small, moist crevices during the day, and are active at night, feeding on a wide variety of insects and plants. Earwigs get their name from an old European myth that claims they crawl into people's ears while they sleep, causing fever and insanity.

Key Insights

Other versions of the myth suggest they lay eggs in ears. Earwigs (pincher bugs) can damage your garden. Learn how to identify them, spot damage, control infestations, and prevent them from coming back.