Non-Insect Debris (Earwax or Dried Sebum)
Scientific Name: Cerumen (for earwax)
Order & Family: N/A (Biological secretion)
Size: Variable; typically small fragments from 1mm to 5mm.
Natural Habitat
Usually found in the human ear canal or on facial skin; discovered on tissues, q-tips, or pillowcases.
Diet & Feeding
N/A (Not a living organism)
Behavior Patterns
Accumulates naturally over time; often removed manually or falls out. It is a mixture of viscous secretions from sebaceous glands and less viscous ones from modified apocrine sweat glands.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Protects and lubricates the ear canal, provides some antibacterial protection. Risks: Impacted earwax can cause transient hearing loss or discomfort; not a pest or infestation risk.
Identified on: 2/7/2026