Common earwigs are usually found outside where they feed on dead animals and live or dead plants.
Where do earwigs come from? >>
Are earwigs harmful? >>
Why do they come indoors? >>
How can I get rid of them? >>
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Email: ehenvironment@havant.gov.uk
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Earwigs mainly live outdoors where they can scavenge for food, but tend to come indoors for protection during the colder months. Earwigs are nocturnal creatures, hiding during the day in cracks and crevices, under doors and windows.
In the garden earwigs have a reputation for damaging plants, and most people do not realise that do some good as well by preying on aphids, greenfly, etc. Indoors they are mainly a nuisance only, collecting in humid places like bathrooms, sometimes feeding and fouling on food.
Earwigs have wings, but only fly very reluctantly. They do not crawl very far either. However, they are very adept at being carried, often hiding in folded newspapers, cut flowers or even luggage. Earwigs may be entering the house through the windows, so if you have long grass close to the building or climbing plants on the walls, cut these back.
Cutting back the vegetation close to doors and windows and then treating the cleared areas with spray or dust insecticides, especially during damp weather, will control earwigs' entry into the house. Remember, for your own safety to follow manufacturers' instructions when using insecticides.