Earwigs in the home: Myths dispelled and removal tips

The common earwig belongs to the family of earwigs. It is characterized by a flat, elongated abdomen with a brown or brown-amber colour. It grows to about 1 to 2 centimetres in length. On the insect's abdomen, there is a pair of thick pincers that assist it in hunting.

Earwigs inhabit humid and marshy areas. They can be found in forests and wetlands, as well as any place that is dark and damp. They typically hide in crevices of moist soil, under tree bark, or dried leaves. They are increasingly appearing in our homes, especially during the fall, when it starts getting cold. They inhabit kitchens and bathrooms, where there is high humidity. During the day, they hide in nooks and crannies, and at night they roam the room in search of food.

In the past, children were often frightened with earwigs. It was said that these insects had a fondness for human ears, and if they managed to get in, they might pierce the eardrum. There were also stories about earwigs burrowing through the ear straight to the brain. But let's clarify once and for all: these are myths.

Despite this, these insects should not be feared because they are completely harmless to humans. They may pinch if handled roughly or provoked in any way.

Nevertheless, no one wants them roaming around the house. To get rid of earwigs, it's worth using lemon and vinegar, which irritate insects. These ingredients can be added to cleaning products, diluted with water, and sprayed strategically. Peel placed on the windowsill will also work.

Another option is to place special sticky traps near windows and doors. It is important to remember that earwigs are not aggressive and only attack when they feel threatened. Therefore, driving them away from the house should not pose a major challenge.

It is also worth noting that earwigs play a beneficial role in the ecosystem. They are natural enemies of silverfish and other small insects. They hunt aphids, fly larvae, and young caterpillars.