They:
- Do not spread diseases.
- Are not poisonous.
- Rarely bite humans.
- Do not damage furniture or structures.
If handled roughly, they may pinch with their cerci, but the pinch is usually mild and rarely breaks the skin.
Can Earwigs Damage Plants?
Yes—but only under certain conditions.
Outdoors, earwigs can chew on:
- Lettuce
- Basil
- Dahlias
- Marigolds
- Strawberries
- Seedlings
- Flower petals
However, they also provide benefits by feeding on:
- Aphids
- Mite eggs
- Small insect larvae
- Organic debris
For this reason, gardeners often view earwigs as both beneficial and occasionally troublesome, depending on their numbers.
What Does Finding Many Earwigs Mean?
If earwigs are appearing frequently inside your home, it’s often a sign to check for:
✔ Moisture problems
✔ Hidden leaks
✔ Poor drainage around the foundation
✔ Clogged gutters
✔ Excess mulch
✔ Standing water
✔ Damp storage areas
Rather than being the main problem, earwigs are often a symptom of favorable environmental conditions.
How to Keep Earwigs Out Naturally
Fortunately, you can discourage earwigs without relying heavily on chemical pesticides.
Reduce Moisture
Repair leaking pipes.
Use a dehumidifier in damp rooms.
Improve ventilation.
Allow wet areas to dry.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for:
- Cracks
- Gaps
- Loose weather stripping
- Open utility penetrations
Seal them with caulk or appropriate weatherproofing materials.
Clean Up Outdoor Debris
Remove:
- Leaf piles
- Rotting wood
- Excess mulch
- Weeds touching the foundation
Keep landscaping several inches away from exterior walls.
Water Earlier in the Day
Morning watering allows soil to dry before nightfall, making your garden less attractive to moisture-loving insects.
Use Simple Traps
A rolled-up damp newspaper or a shallow container filled with a little vegetable oil and soy sauce can attract earwigs overnight. Dispose of the trapped insects the next morning if needed.
Should You Kill Every Earwig You Find?
Not necessarily.
A single earwig is usually nothing to worry about.
If you find only occasional individuals, simply removing them and correcting moisture issues is often enough.
However, if you begin seeing large numbers over several weeks, it may be worth inspecting your home for hidden dampness or consulting a pest management professional.
Final Thoughts
Although their pincers make them look intimidating, earwigs are generally harmless insects that play an important role in nature by recycling organic matter and feeding on some garden pests.
If they’ve started appearing inside your home, don’t assume the worst. Instead, take it as a reminder to inspect for moisture, seal entry points, and improve outdoor maintenance. These simple steps usually solve the problem and help keep your home comfortable and pest-free.
So, the next time you spot one of these unusual insects, remember: it’s less a reason to panic and more a useful clue that your home may need a little extra attention.
