Earwigs (Order Dermaptera) are one of the most common sights in Utah gardens and basements. Known colloquially as "pincher bugs," they are harmless to humans but can be a significant nuisance when they invade in large numbers.
The PincersTheir most striking feature is the pair of forceps-like pincers (cerci) protruding from the end of their abdomen. Males have curved pincers, while females have straighter ones.
The ColorThey are typically a dark, reddish-brown with a leathery texture.
The BodyThey have elongated, flattened bodies (about 5/8 inch) that allow them to squeeze into incredibly tight crevices.
The MythLet’s clear it up first—earwigs do not crawl into human ears to lay eggs. This is an old wives' tale.
HabitatThey are nocturnal and thrive in cool, damp places. In Utah, they congregate under mulch, decorative rocks, flower pots, and in the "micro-climate" of window wells.
The Indoor InvasionWhen Utah summers get hot and dry, earwigs move toward the foundation of the house looking for water. They often enter through sliding door tracks, mudrooms, and basement vents.
Garden DietThey are scavengers that eat decaying organic matter, but they are also known to chew small, ragged holes in the leaves and petals of garden plants like zinnias and dahlias.
Do they use those pincers to bite people?They use their pincers primarily for defense and for folding their wings. While they can give you a small pinch if handled, they do not have enough strength to break the skin or inject any venom.
Why are there so many in my basement this year?A wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer usually leads to an earwig explosion. They are moving indoors to survive the Utah heat.
How do I stop them naturally?Eliminate their "hotels." Remove excess mulch from your foundation, move firewood piles away from the house, and ensure your gutters are draining water far from the basement walls.
