The earwig is a pop in of insect.
However, there is no proof to the claim, and the insect is mostly harmless to people.
The earwig is a pincher bug that ranges in size from one-fourth to 1 inch.
Paul Starosta / Getty Images
It has six legs and an antenna that measures about half its size.
Despite its appearance, the earwig does not pose a threat to people.
Rather than harm people, the earwig is more likely to harm plants.
This article describes how earwigs interact with people.
Other versions say that earwigs crawl into human ears to lay their eggs there.
There is no scientific basis for claims about earwigs seeking out human ears and causing insanity or other damage.
There is no evidence that earwigs seek out human ears to cause harm.
The insects rapidly spread across the United States.
Earwigs live outdoors in large numbers.
During the day, they can thrive in moist soil or other damp environments.
Earwigs are active at night.
They also feed on algae, fungi, and moss.
Where Are Earwigs Most Common?
Earwigs can be found in all regions, though they prefer warm, humid climates.
There are almost 2,000 species worldwide, existing everywhere but the North and South Poles.
Earwigs and Biting: What Happens?
With their sharp pincers protruding from the back of their abdomen, earwigs can appear intimidating.
However, earwigs are a greater threat to the garden plants they attack than they are to people.
Earwigs use their pincers to aid in reproduction, hunt prey, and defend themselves.
If picked up and agitated, an earwig is likely to pinch humans.
While the pinch can be painful, it does not transfer venom or disease.
An earwig pinch typically doesn’t break the skin.
If the pinch goes deep, you may notice two red pinch marks.
The pincers can break your skin, resulting in a small amount of bleeding.
If an earwig bite breaks your skin, treat the wound as you would care for a scratch.
Earwigs may put in your home as they search for darkness and moisture.
Reducing the moisture in your house can help get rid of earwigs.
Seal points of entry.
Caulk and repair cracks or gaps around the outside of your home at ground level.
Pay special attention to areas around doors and windows and the point where the siding meets your foundation.
Reduce areas of moisture near your home.
Keep areas around water faucets, air conditioners, and vents clean and dry.
Eliminate damp conditions near your house by channeling water from rain gutters and spouts away from the building foundation.
Remove places where earwigs like to hide.
Clear leaf piles, mulch piles, and other vegetation from your property.
Design your landscaping to create a clean, dry border around the foundation.
Add gravel or ornamental stones to create a barrier against earwigs and other pests.
This setting may be unattractive to earwigs because they enjoy moist conditions.
Check for bugs on everything you bring inside.
This includes lawn furniture, laundry, flowers, vegetables, firewood, and houseplants.
Use traps to reduce earwig populations around your house.
These strategies include:
Summary
The earwig is an insect that prefers moist and damp places.
It can be found under potted plants, leaves, and other objects outdoors.
While they mostly live outside, earwigs can make their way into houses and become a nuisance.
Despite the way it looks, earwigs are not harmful to people.
Their threatening pincers are used to grab onto objects and defend themselves.
A reaction or other problems are rare.
Managing earwigs involves taking steps to avoid their access to your home.
Controlling earwigs outside may require trapping to achieve results.
As a last resort, insecticides can help you get relief from earwigs.
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