Earwig

Forficula auricularia

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-2 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensmeadowsforestswoodpilesunder stones and boards

Taxonomic Group

Other Invertebrate

Order

Dermaptera

Family

Forficulidae

Lifecycle

Earwigs undergo incomplete metamorphosis, which consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. In the fall, the female lays a clutch of 50-90 shiny white eggs in a nest constructed in the soil, sometimes as deep as six feet to escape the cold. The female exhibits maternal care, guarding the eggs through the winter and tending to the newly hatched nymphs in the spring by providing them with food. The nymphs, which resemble smaller, lighter-colored versions of the adults but lack wings, go through five molts before reaching maturity. The female typically dies by midsummer, and the young become adults between late August and early October, ready to mate and continue the cycle.

Overwintering Strategy

Adults and eggs overwinter in nests in the soil.

Native Range

Europe

Attracted By

cloverdahliaszinniasmarigoldsbutterfly bushhostashollyhocklettucestrawberrycelerypotatoesrosesseedling beansbeetstender grass shootssweetcorn silksmoisture

Repelled By

dry conditionslack of hiding placesyellow or sodium vapor lightbulbs

Organic Control Methods

Organic control of earwigs focuses on trapping and habitat modification. Simple, effective traps can be made from rolled-up, damp newspapers, corrugated cardboard, or short lengths of hose placed in the garden before dusk. In the morning, the earwigs hiding inside can be shaken into a bucket of soapy water. Another method is to use low-sided cans (like tuna or cat food cans) filled with vegetable oil and a drop of bacon grease or fish oil, buried so the rim is at soil level. Removing debris, managing mulch, and ensuring good drainage to reduce moisture will make the habitat less attractive. For fruit trees, a sticky barrier like Tanglefoot can be applied to the trunk to prevent earwigs from climbing up to the fruit. Spinosad-based baits are also an effective and environmentally-friendly option.

Companion Planting

While specific companion plants for repelling earwigs are not well-documented, maintaining a clean and debris-free garden environment is crucial. Earwigs are attracted to moist, dark places, so removing potential hiding spots like thick ground cover (e.g., ivy), leaf litter, and woodpiles can deter them. Encouraging natural predators such as toads, birds, and poultry (chickens and ducks) can also help to control earwig populations.