What Do Earwigs Look Like?
Earwigs range in size from ¼-1 inch long. They have elongated, flattened bodies that vary in color from pale brown with dark markings to reddish-brown to black. Earwigs have six legs and a threadlike antenna that measures about half of their body length. Most notably, however, are the pincers that protrude from the back of their abdomen. Earwigs also have two pairs of wings, with their hind wings usually folding underneath their front wings. These body parts typically have a leathery appearance to them. Not all earwig species fly, and those that do only do so in short bursts.
Do Earwigs Really Go in Your Ear?
Contrary to European folklore, earwigs do not crawl into ears and eat peoples’ brains at night.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs
In order to get rid of earwigs or prevent an infestation, homeowners should remove harborage sites such as leaf piles, mulch piles or other vegetation on their property. They should also consider moving objects such as firewood piles and logs away from the home, thereby creating a perimeter around the house that is free of organic material.
Furthermore, any trees or shrubs that cause damp, shady areas around the house should be trimmed. In order to ensure proper water drainage, check to make sure gutters and downspouts drain away from the home. This will help prevent any moisture build-up that might attract earwigs.