Earwigs are small insects recognizable for the long pincers and narrow bodies. Â Under two inches in length, they are primarily nocturnal and eat a variety of plants and insects. Â Their consumption of plants makes them a recognized agricultural pest in many places, and their pincers make many people uncomfortable when found indoors. Â Earwigs are especially prone to coming into structures and residences during winter, as they cannot survive outdoors in cold regions. Â Large numbers of earwigs entering a home can be a frustrating nuisance to get rid of.
Near people, earwigs are often found on walls, floors and ceilings looking for food. Â Most will flee if approached, attempting to find a dark crevasse to hide in. Â They can frequently be found in any dark cracks which they can hide in, such as tucked into plants, in furniture, or in window frames. Â They pose no threat to humans beyond annoyance, and they certainly do not intentionally crawl into human ears, despite the urban legends.
