Earwigs Pest Control and Treatment

Earwigs Pest Control

Earwigs are nocturnal insects that often cause alarm because of their appearance, but they are generally harmless to humans. Despite myths, earwigs do not crawl into people’s ears while they sleep. Their name comes from old European folklore rather than their actual behaviour.

In Australia, earwigs are considered nuisance pests both indoors and outdoors. They feed on a wide range of organic matter, including plants, flowers, and decaying material, but they are also opportunistic predators of smaller insects. While they play a role in natural ecosystems, they can damage garden plants, fruits, and vegetables, making them unwelcome in homes and backyards.

What Do Earwigs Look Like? 

Earwigs are easily recognised by their elongated, flattened bodies and the pair of pincer-like forceps (cerci) at the end of their abdomen. These forceps are used for defence, capturing prey, and mating rituals.

Most earwigs range from 12 to 25 mm long, with dark brown to reddish colouring. They have long antennae, six legs, and short wings, although they rarely fly. Their unusual appearance, especially the rear pincers, often makes them look more dangerous than they actually are

Where Do Earwigs Live? 

Earwigs prefer moist, dark environments and are most active at night. Outdoors, they hide under rocks, mulch, logs, and leaf litter during the day, emerging after dark to feed. Gardens, compost heaps, and damp soil provide ideal habitats.

Indoors, earwigs may enter homes through gaps, doors, or windows, particularly during wet or hot weather when they seek shelter. They are often found in bathrooms, laundries, or kitchens where moisture is present. Although they are not destructive indoors, their sudden appearance in large numbers can be distressing for homeowners.

Common Types of Earwigs in Australia

Australia is home to several earwig species, some of which are beneficial in controlling garden pests, while others are destructive to plants and a nuisance when they move indoors. Unlike ants or termites, earwigs do not build large colonies, but they can gather in significant numbers in damp, sheltered environments.

Most earwigs feed on a mix of decaying plant matter, live plants, and small insects, which is why they are often found in gardens, mulch, or compost heaps. When their populations rise, they can cause noticeable damage to flowers, seedlings, and fruit crops. Indoors, they are more of a nuisance than a health risk, but their presence can be unsettling.

Below are the most common types of earwigs found in Australia and why they can become a problem.

European Earwig (Forficula auricularia) 

How they look
European earwigs are the most common earwig species in Australia. They are dark brown to reddish in colour, measuring about 12–25 mm long. They have slender bodies, long antennae, and distinctive pincers on their abdomen.

Where they live
They thrive in moist environments and are commonly found in gardens, under mulch, stones, and pot plants. They are especially active at night and may enter homes during warm or wet weather.

Why they are a problem
European earwigs are highly destructive to seedlings, fruits, and flowers. They can devastate crops such as stone fruits, grapes, and cereals, making them a major pest in agriculture. Indoors, they are more of a nuisance, but large numbers can cause distress to homeowners.

Black Field Earwig (Nala Lividipes)

How they look
Smaller than the European earwig, black field earwigs are usually 10–15 mm long, with dark brown to black colouring and shorter pincers.

Where they live
These earwigs are common in pastures and agricultural land across Australia. They often shelter in soil cracks, under debris, or around crop stubble.

Why they are a problem
Black field earwigs are particularly damaging to crops, feeding on emerging seedlings, grasses, and cereals. They can cause significant losses in pastures and grain production areas.

Native Brown Earwig (Labidura truncata)

How they look
Native brown earwigs are larger than most other species, reaching up to 30 mm in length. They are light brown with powerful pincers, giving them a more intimidating appearance.

Where they live
They are found across much of Australia in gardens, grasslands, and agricultural areas. Unlike the European earwig, they are less commonly seen indoors.

Why they are a problem
Native brown earwigs are both predators and plant feeders. They can help control some insect pests in gardens, but in large numbers they also chew through young plants and damage crops.

How to Identify Earwig Infestations 

Hiding Places and Shelter

Unlike ants or termites, earwigs don’t build large visible nests. Instead, they hide during the day in dark, moist environments such as under mulch, rocks, garden debris, compost heaps, or pot plants. Indoors, they often take shelter in bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, or basements where moisture is present. If you notice earwigs regularly emerging at night from the same areas, it may indicate a larger hidden population.

Feeding and Plant Damage

Earwigs are omnivorous and feed on both decaying organic matter and live plants. Signs of infestation in gardens include chewed leaves, flowers, and seedlings, as well as damage to fruit or vegetables. They often feed at night, leaving ragged holes in foliage or petals by morning. While a few earwigs may help control garden pests like aphids, large populations quickly become destructive.

Indoor Activity

Earwigs occasionally invade homes, especially during wet weather or extreme heat when they seek dry shelter. They are usually found in damp rooms or emerging from cracks and crevices at night. While they don’t cause structural damage indoors, their sudden appearance in sinks, bathtubs, or along skirting boards can be alarming for homeowners.

Bites and Perceived Risks

Earwigs do not sting, and while their pincers may look intimidating, they rarely cause harm to humans. At most, a defensive pinch may occur if they are handled, but it is generally harmless. The real issue with earwig infestations is their nuisance factor indoors and the damage they can cause in gardens and crops.

Property and Garden Impact

Large earwig populations can disrupt garden beds, damage turf, and destroy seedlings. In agricultural settings, species such as the European earwig and black field earwig are known to cause significant losses in cereal and grain production. Their ability to hide in soil, crop stubble, or mulch makes them difficult to detect until damage is visible.

Signs of Heavy Infestation

In severe infestations, earwigs will be visible in large numbers at night, often congregating around outdoor lights, gardens, or patios. Indoors, multiple sightings in damp rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms may occur daily. In gardens, widespread chewing damage on plants, flowers, and crops is a key indicator that earwigs are thriving in the area.

At this stage, professional pest control is recommended to assess the extent of the infestation and apply targeted treatments. Experts can locate breeding sites, reduce populations, and implement measures to prevent earwigs from returning.

How to Prevent Earwig Infestations

Outdoors, Earwigs damage flowers, seedlings, and crops, while indoors, they seek out damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Because they are nocturnal and excellent at hiding during the day, infestations often go unnoticed until numbers grow large.

The best way to deal with earwigs is to stop them from establishing in the first place. By reducing moisture, removing shelter, and blocking entry points, you can greatly reduce the risk of earwigs invading your property.

Keep Gardens and Yards Tidy

Earwigs thrive in cluttered, damp environments. Remove piles of leaves, mulch build-up, grass clippings, and wood stacks from around the property. Keep lawns trimmed and garden beds well-maintained so earwigs have fewer hiding places during the day. Compost heaps should be kept contained and away from the house.

Reduce Moisture Sources

Moisture is the main attractant for earwigs. Repair leaking outdoor taps, gutters, and pipes, and avoid overwatering gardens. Indoors, check for dripping taps or condensation issues in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. Keeping these areas dry makes them far less appealing to earwigs.

Limit Outdoor Lighting

Earwigs are drawn to lights at night and often gather around patios, porches, and windows. Where possible, use yellow outdoor bulbs or reduce lighting near entry points to your home. This simple step can help reduce the number of earwigs attracted to your property.

Seal Cracks and Entry Points

Earwigs can slip indoors through tiny gaps in doors, windows, vents, or utility lines. Seal cracks around the home with caulk, repair damaged screens, and install door sweeps where needed. These measures reduce the chances of earwigs wandering inside during wet or hot weather.

Manage Mulch and Garden Beds

While mulch helps keep soil healthy, thick layers provide the perfect daytime hiding spots for earwigs. Use mulch sparingly near the foundations of your home and keep garden beds slightly drier to discourage infestations.

Act Quickly if You Spot Them

If you notice earwigs regularly in your garden or inside your home, it’s best to act early. Removing clutter and treating affected areas promptly can stop a minor presence from turning into a full infestation. If large numbers are present, professional pest control may be necessary to locate hiding sites and apply targeted treatments.

How to Get Rid of Earwig Infestations

Earwigs can damage plants, flowers, and crops, and when numbers rise, they can invade bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries in search of moisture. Because they hide during the day and emerge at night, infestations often go unnoticed until they grow large.

Eradicating earwigs usually requires a combination of at-home measures to reduce numbers and professional pest treatments for long-term control.

At-Home Actions to Get Rid Of Earwigs

Remove Hiding Places

Since earwigs thrive in dark, damp areas, start by clearing away piles of leaves, mulch, grass clippings, and garden debris. Keep compost heaps contained and store firewood away from the home. By reducing their daytime shelters, you make your property less attractive.

Reduce Moisture

Earwigs are drawn to water. Repair leaking pipes, drains, and outdoor taps. Avoid overwatering gardens and use well-drained soil where possible. Indoors, keep bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens dry and well-ventilated.

Use Light Traps

Earwigs are attracted to light at night. Simple traps can be made by placing a shallow dish of soapy water under an outdoor light. Earwigs drawn to the light will fall in and drown, helping reduce numbers.

Apply Garden Barriers

Diatomaceous earth or fine gravel spread around the base of garden beds can act as a barrier, deterring earwigs from reaching plants. These natural options work by creating an environment that is uncomfortable for earwigs to crawl across.

Insecticidal Sprays and Dusts

For persistent infestations, insecticidal sprays or dusts can be applied to garden beds, mulch, or cracks where earwigs hide. Always follow safety instructions and avoid treating areas near edible plants unless the product is specifically approved for use in gardens.

Professional Earwig Treatments

While at-home steps can reduce numbers, large or recurring infestations often require professional pest control. Licensed technicians use targeted treatments that reach areas earwigs typically hide, ensuring effective and lasting results.

Perimeter Sprays and Barriers

Professionals can apply chemical or eco-friendly barrier sprays around the foundations of your home and garden. These treatments create a protective zone that stops earwigs from entering living spaces.

Direct Nest and Harbourage Treatments

Pest controllers locate earwig harbourages in gardens, mulch, and soil. Specialised treatments, including residual sprays or dusts, are applied directly to these areas for maximum effectiveness.

Prevention and Exclusion

Technicians not only treat active infestations but also provide advice on reducing moisture, sealing entry points, and removing conditions that encourage earwigs to return.

Follow-Up Inspections

Because earwigs breed quickly in favourable conditions, follow-up visits are often recommended. This ensures populations have been fully controlled and helps prevent re-infestation.

Call a Pest Control Professional

Earwigs may not bite or sting, but their rapid breeding and tendency to damage plants make them a persistent problem. Large infestations in gardens or repeated sightings indoors often require expert intervention.

A licensed pest control company can confirm the extent of the infestation, apply safe and effective treatments, and provide tailored prevention strategies to keep earwigs away for good. Eco-friendly options are also available if you want to minimise chemical use.

Need help now? Book a professional earwig inspection on 1300 766 614. Our experts will inspect your property, explain your treatment options, and create a customised plan to eliminate earwigs and stop them from coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are earwigs dangerous? 

Earwigs look intimidating because of the pincers on their abdomen, but they are not dangerous to humans. They do not spread disease, and while they may give a defensive pinch if handled, it is harmless. The real issue with earwigs is the damage they cause to plants, flowers, and crops when numbers are high.

Are earwigs poisonous? 

No, earwigs are not poisonous or venomous. They do not inject toxins, and their pincers cannot deliver a sting. However, they can become a nuisance indoors and a destructive pest in gardens.

Where do earwigs come from? 

Earwigs are thought to have originated in Europe but are now found worldwide, including throughout Australia. They live in damp, dark environments such as under mulch, stones, and garden debris. They often move indoors during wet weather or extreme heat in search of shelter.

Can earwigs fly? 

Most earwigs have wings, but they rarely fly. They prefer to crawl and use their pincers for defence rather than attempting flight. Their short, leathery forewings protect their hind wings, but flight is uncommon and clumsy when it does occur.

Why are they called earwigs?

The name comes from an old European myth that earwigs would crawl into people’s ears while they slept. This is not true. Earwigs prefer damp soil and dark crevices, not human ears. The name has persisted, even though their behaviour does not match the legend.

What are earwigs a sign of?

Earwigs are often a sign of excessive moisture or clutter around your property. Outdoors, they indicate damp soil, mulch, or garden debris that provides shelter. Indoors, their presence is usually linked to leaks, condensation, or high humidity in bathrooms, laundries, or kitchens. Large numbers can signal that outdoor conditions are favourable for breeding and that control measures may be needed.