Have you noticed small brown insects with pincers in your basement or garden? Earwigs become invasive when conditions suit them. They pose no danger to you, but their presence in large numbers is unpleasant and can damage your garden.
This guide will help you identify these insects, recognize signs of infestation, and choose the right time to act.
Key points to remember
- Earwigs are harmless despite their intimidating appearance
- They prefer dark and damp places and come out at night
- A heavy infestation can damage garden plants
- Prevention relies on eliminating damp shelters and debris
- Professional intervention becomes necessary if preventive methods fail
What is an earwig and how to recognize it
This insect is easy to recognize by its elongated and flattened body measuring about 1.5 to 2 cm in length. Its hard, shiny shell shows shades of brown and red. But it is especially the two pincers at the end of its abdomen that distinguish it.
Contrary to popular myth, the earwig does not enter ears to pierce the eardrum. It poses no danger and is even useful in the garden by feeding on decomposing matter, slug eggs, aphids, and other pests. The earwig is nocturnal: it spends the day in cool, damp places, then comes out at dusk to look for food.
Signs indicating an earwig problem
You find them every day indoors, especially in damp rooms. You find them in food or clothing.
In the garden, the damage resembles that caused by slugs: perforated leaves, damaged flowers, and holed fruits. But earwigs do not leave slimy trails. Lift stones near your foundation: if you find dozens of insects, your property hosts a large population.
Common mistakes to avoid
Several pests cause similar damage in the garden. Go out at night with a flashlight to identify the real culprit before taking action. Do not try to eliminate all earwigs: they feed on aphids and other pests. You want to control their numbers, not eradicate them completely.
If you choose to use a pesticide, make sure it has a registration number from Health Canada and follow the instructions carefully.
When to act
| Situation | What it means | Recommended action |
| 1–2 earwigs per week indoors | Normal and occasional presence | No action needed, continue prevention |
| Several earwigs daily indoors | High outdoor population | Inspect outside, strengthen prevention, consider traps |
| Visible garden damage and massive presence | Confirmed infestation | Combine prevention, traps, and consult a professional |
| Earwigs in several rooms of the house | Multiple entry points and high external population | Professional intervention recommended |
Your intervention options
For a moderate population, roll up damp newspaper and place it near infested areas in the evening. The next morning, discard the newspaper in a sealed bag.
Diatomaceous earth forms an effective barrier in cracks and entry points. This powder dehydrates insects without harming the environment.
When these approaches are not enough, call an exterminator. They will identify intrusion sources and apply an appropriate treatment.
When to call a professional
Have you applied preventive methods for several weeks without improvement? Do earwigs continue to enter your home daily despite your efforts? It is time to consult a certified exterminator. A professional becomes necessary when you find earwigs in multiple rooms at the same time, when damage to your plants increases daily, or when you regularly find insects in your food or clothing.
The expert will precisely identify entry points you may have missed, locate the main outdoor shelters, and apply a targeted treatment that complies with Health Canada standards. This intervention will save you time and money by avoiding ineffective solutions.
Prevention: best practices
Prevention is always the best solution—you’ve heard it before.
Take action in early spring, in warm and dry weather, when insects are still in the larval stage.
Create a dry zone around your foundation: trim vegetation and remove mulch and organic debris. Clear dead leaves and stacked wood. Keep at least 30 cm between mulch and your foundation.
Start your garden early so that your plants get a head start over the larvae that emerge in June. Harvest your fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ripe: earwigs target those that are already damaged.
Fix leaking faucets and ensure your gutters direct water away from the foundation. Cultivate the soil in spring to expose eggs to sunlight.
What you need to remember
Earwigs play a useful role in the garden when they remain in small numbers. They only become problematic if they multiply too much or constantly enter your home.
Are you noticing a high presence of earwigs despite your prevention efforts? Our team will assess your situation. We examine your property to identify what promotes their proliferation and offer tailored solutions.
Contact us for personalized answers to your situation.
Foire aux questions
No, they cannot hurt you. Their pincers look threatening, but they lack the strength to pierce your skin. They only use them against other insects and during mating. You can handle them safely.