Earwigs

Photos

formal_name

Order Dermaptera

 

description

Earwigs got their name from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people's ears and tunnel into their brains. The long cerci, or clippers, on their backsides easily identify an earwig.

 

color

Dark Brown

 

legs

6

 

shape

Long, Narrow

 

size

1"

 

antenanae

True

 

region

 

habits

Earwigs hide during the day and feeds on leaves, flowers, fruits, mold and insects at night.

 

habitat

These insects live together outdoors in large numbers. They can be found under piles of lawn debris, mulch or in tree holes. They gain entry to a structure through exterior cracks

 

threats

Contrary to folklore, earwigs do not crawl into ears and eat peoples' brains at night. They do not spread diseases, but their menacing appearance can be alarming to a homeowner.

 

prevention

Remove harborage sites such as leaf piles, mulch piles or other vegetation. Seal cracks and crevices well to prevent structural entry.

 

catagories

 

pest_category_id

7