Earwigs
Active Seasons




Appearance and Size Facts
- Dark brown in color
- They have forcep-like cerci extending from the rear of their abdomen (look like pinchers)
- On male earwigs, the forceps can be quite large
- Size: Approximately 1 inch in length
- Catch and eat other insects<./li>
- Nocturnal and hide during the day while roaming at night to find food and water
Behavior and Habitat of Earwigs
Earwigs will catch and eat other insects. They also feed on plants, ripe fruit, and garbage. Plants that are fed on include clover, dahlias, zinnias, butterfly bush, hollyhock, lettuce, strawberry, celery, potatoes, roses, seedling beans and beets, and tender grass shoots and roots. Earwigs are nocturnal, hiding during the day and roaming at night to find food and water. Around homes, they hide in garden plants, in shrubbery, along fences, in woodpiles, at the base of trees, and behind loose boards on buildings. While they are mainly an outdoor pest, their habit of hiding among petals or leaves of plants allows them to be brought frequently into the home.

Signs of Infestation of Earwigs
They do not spread diseases but their menacing appearance can be alarming.

Tips for Prevention of Earwigs
The most important part of controlling earwigs is eliminating their hiding places. Remove harborage sites such as leaf piles, mulch piles or other vegetation and seal cracks and crevices around the home well.

Earwig Gallery



Latest Pest & Termite Control News

What You Need to Know About Eastern Subterranean Termites
May 20, 2022—Termites, Tips & Control Advice, Tips & Control Advice, Pest Control, Termites
Eastern subterranean termites, the termite species Reticulitermes flavipes, are trouble for any homeowner. They can cause extensive structural damage, and it’s difficult to spot them before they’ve caused significant destruction. Homeowners insurance policies usually don’t cover...
Read More ›
Termite Spotlight: Native Subterranean Termites
May 09, 2022—Termites, Florida Termites, Termite Damage, Termite Inspections, Termites
Native subterranean termites are destructive insects that can be difficult to detect. These bugs have a significant economic impact, causing billions of dollars in structural damage across the country annually. Subterranean termites are responsible for 95% of this damage nationwide. Homeowner's...
Read More ›
Asian Subterranean Termite Identification
Apr 28, 2022—Termites, Florida Termites, Termite Damage, Termite Inspections, Termites
Asian subterranean termites (Coptotermes gestroi) are the enemy of wood structures everywhere in the tropics and South Florida, and they can cause significant damage to your home. Most of us don’t bother to know the differences between termite species in our area, but if you suspect these...
Read More ›