Common Earwig

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark outdoor areas like mulch, under rocks, or in logs. Often enters basements or crawl spaces in search of moisture.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavenger; eats decaying plant matter, small insects, aphids, and occasionally living plant tissue.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal insects that hide during the day. Notable for the 'pincers' (cerci) on their abdomen used for defense and mating. Females display maternal care, guarding eggs and young nymphs.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance pest indoors. They are harmless to humans and do not transmit disease; pincers rarely break the skin. Beneficially, they eat common garden pests like aphids.

Identified on: 5/16/2026