What Is An Earwig?
Earwigs are small insects of the order Dermaptera. They are slender and flat insects, generally 1/2 to 1 inch in length. Earwigs are characterized by two pincer-looking appendages on the rear of their abdomen. They are usually reddish-brown to black in color, with lighter legs. The earwig’s name comes from the misguided notion that the pests can enter a human’s ear and burrow into their brain.

Things You Should Know:
- Most earwigs have wings, but very rarely fly.
- Earwigs prefer to live in cool, damp places.
- It is a myth that earwigs burrow into human's ears.
- Earwigs rarely pinch, but if they do, the pinch is not strong enough to cause harm.
Why Are They In My House?
Earwigs enjoy cool, damp environments. Your basement often replicates this. Earwigs may find their way into your homes if the temperature rises outside or the humidity outside drops.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
Although they can pinch with their pincers if they feel threatened, they rarely do so, and the pinch is not strong enough to harm a human. Earwigs are generally considered just a nuisance pest.
What Does It Take To Get Rid Of Earwigs?
Reducing the humidity and moisture will help make your home or business less appealing to earwigs, but this is by no means a sure way to get rid of these common New York pests. If you think you have a problem with earwigs, you should call Parkway Pest Services immediately.
How Can I Prevent A Future Infestation?
Elimination of food sources and entry points and lowering moisture in your structure can help, but earwigs can be extremely difficult to prevent. Our PestGuard provides you with constant protection from earwigs and other common NY pests. Contact us for more information!
Helpful Articles About Earwigs
A Guide To Common Pests
Learn more about that insect, rodent, or wildlife and how the pest control professionals at Parkway Pest Services can help you resolve your infestation. Click on the pest to learn more.
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Ants -
Bed Bugs -
Birds -
Box Elder Bugs -
Camel Crickets -
Carpenter Ants -
Carpenter Bees -
Centipedes -
Cicada Killers -
Cockroaches -
Earwigs -
Fabric Pests -
Fleas -
Flies -
Flying Squirrels -
Ground Beetles -
Lady Bugs -
Little Brown Bats -
Mice -
Millipedes -
Mosquitoes -
Pantry Pests -
Raccoons -
Rats -
Silverfish -
Sow Bugs -
Spiders -
Stinging Insects -
Stink Bugs -
Termites
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