Earwigs have one of the worst PR problems of any insect. The pincers, the speed, the way they show up under flower pots and along foundations — it's easy to see why so many homeowners want them gone.
Here's what's actually going on with earwigs in Wellington County yards, what they do (and don't do), and how to manage them when populations get out of hand.
What Earwigs Actually Are
Earwigs are nocturnal insects about 12–25mm long, dark brown to reddish-brown, with the distinctive pincer-like appendages (called cerci) at the rear. They have wings under their hard shell but rarely fly. They prefer damp, dark, sheltered spots and are most active at night.
The myth that earwigs crawl into ears and lay eggs in human brains is, to be clear, completely false. It's a piece of folklore that survived past its expiration date. Earwigs have zero interest in humans.
What They Eat
Earwigs are omnivores. Their diet includes:
- Decaying plant material
- Live tender plants — flower petals, seedling leaves, soft fruits
- Other insects — aphids, mites, insect eggs, small soft-bodied bugs
- Mold and fungi
The mixed diet is why opinions on earwigs are divided in the gardening community. They damage soft plants and ripe fruit, but they also eat pest insects like aphids. In a low-population yard, they're closer to neutral than harmful.
The problem starts when populations get high — especially after rainy springs.
Where They Live in Wellington Yards
Earwigs prefer dark, damp, sheltered spots during the day:
- Under flower pots, garden ornaments, and pavers
- In thick mulch and leaf litter
- Beneath siding and along foundations
- Under decks, in woodpiles, and around shed perimeters
- In rain gutters and drainage areas
They come out at night to feed, which is why most homeowners discover them when watering plants in the evening or moving items in the morning.
When They Become a Real Problem
A few earwigs in the yard is normal. They become a problem when:
- They start damaging garden plants — chewed leaves on dahlias, marigolds, hostas, soft fruits
- They invade the home through gaps around foundations or windows
- Populations build in mulch beds along the house perimeter
- You're finding dozens at a time under pots, ornaments, or bird baths
In Wellington County, peak earwig pressure runs from June through August, with the worst problems after wet springs that favoured reproduction.
How to Reduce Earwig Populations
The most effective earwig control is environmental — change the conditions, change the population.
Reduce harbourage. Move garden ornaments, flower pots, and woodpiles away from the foundation. Trim back ground-cover plants that hold moisture against the house.
Manage mulch. Don't apply mulch more than 2–3 inches deep. Pull it back from the foundation by 6–12 inches.
Improve drainage. Standing water and chronically damp soil along the foundation create ideal earwig habitat.
Address ground-touching wood. Decks, sheds, fences, and woodpiles in direct contact with soil hold moisture and harbour earwigs.
Use targeted traps. Damp rolled-up newspaper or shallow dishes of soapy water set out at night catch significant numbers when populations are high. Empty in the morning.
Treat the perimeter. For severe populations or where earwigs are entering the home, a professional perimeter treatment is the most effective short-term solution.
When to Call a Pro
Call for professional earwig control if:
- You're finding earwigs inside the home regularly
- Garden damage is significant
- Yard population is overwhelming despite environmental changes
- You're seeing them in numbers under siding, around windows, or in basement window wells
A targeted perimeter treatment combined with environmental fixes typically reduces earwig populations significantly within 2–4 weeks.
How Summit Handles Earwigs
For an earwig problem in Fergus, Guelph, or Elora, Tateum's approach typically involves:
- Walking the property to identify harbourage and entry points
- Targeted perimeter treatment focused on foundation lines, mulch beds, and high-population areas
- Recommendations for environmental changes that prevent recurrence
- Follow-up where needed during peak season
Most yards see noticeable reduction within 1–2 weeks of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do earwigs crawl into ears?No. This is a myth with no basis. Earwigs have no interest in humans, ears, or any part of human anatomy.
Do earwigs bite or sting?They can pinch with the rear cerci if directly handled, but the pinch is harmless and doesn't break skin in most cases. They have no venom and don't sting.
Why do I see earwigs after it rains?Earwigs become more active in damp conditions and often move from the soil to higher surfaces to avoid waterlogged habitat. After heavy rain, you'll see them on walls, in pots, and inside garages.
Are earwig treatments safe for my garden?Targeted perimeter treatments minimize impact on garden areas and pollinators. Tateum will walk through application strategy for your specific yard.
Reduce the Problem, Don't Just Spray
Earwigs are one of those pests where environmental changes do half the work. A drier perimeter, less ground-touching mulch, and removed harbourage shifts the balance significantly. Add a targeted treatment for high-population yards and the problem usually resolves.
Summit Pest Control offers earwig and insect treatment across Wellington County, including Guelph, Fergus, Elora, and surrounding areas.
Call (226) 780-6446 or request a quick estimate today.