Do earwigs really crawl into people's ears?

Have you heard the scary stories about earwigs creeping into people's ears as they sleep? It's a well-known tale that's been around for ages. But before you sleep with earplugs, let's explore these anecdotes a bit further.

The truth is, that the earwigs, with their pincers and nocturnal behavior, have always sparked both curiosity and fear. But fear not, dear reader, because we're about to reveal the whole truth about these fascinating insects.

The name "earwig" originates from an old European superstition that these insects would crawl into people's ears while they slept

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

The earwigs, scientifically known as Dermaptera, are a diverse group of insects with over 2,000 species worldwide. Despite its spooky name, which comes from the Old English words "ear" and "wig" (meaning "ear creature"), the earwig is mostly harmless, feeding mainly on decaying organic matter. However, its appearance—especially its intimidating pincers—has led to many misconceptions, the most common of which is its supposed attraction to human ears.

The myth of earwigs crawling into human ears likely stems from their habit of seeking out dark, secluded places. Like many other small insects, earwigs prefer warm, damp environments, which sometimes leads them into homes. In rare cases, they might accidentally end up in bedding or clothing, and even more rarely, they might wander close to a sleeping person's ear. However, there's no evidence that earwigs intentionally target human ears.

Earwigs have pinchers called cerci at the end of their bodies

Although earwigs have pincers called Cerci at the end of their abdomen, they primarily use them for defense and grooming. Earwigs don't have venom, and their pincers aren't powerful enough to harm people.

Human ears and earwigs 

The human ear is a complicated organ with natural defenses such as earwax and the curvature of the ear canal, making entry difficult for insects like earwigs. Even if an earwig were to stray near a person's ear, it would most likely be prevented by the ear's natural defenses and would be unable to cause serious damage. 

One widespread misunderstanding about earwigs is that they burrow into people's ears to lay eggs or build nests. However, this is a misconception. There is no evidence that they seek them out for nesting or egg-laying purposes.

Earwigs are unique because some mothers care for their young, a behavior not commonly seen in insects

In truth, the human ear isn't a welcoming environment for most insects. The ear canal is typically too small and winding, and the presence of earwax and other protective mechanisms discourages intruders. Moreover, earwigs do not have a reason to choose human ears for reproduction. Their usual life cycle involves laying eggs in underground burrows or other secluded spots, where the young earwigs hatch and grow.

A unique insect that deserves protection

If you see an earwig in or around your home, there's no need to worry. Despite what many think, earwigs do not harm humans or pets, and they can help in the garden by eating other insects. If you discover an earwig inside, just use a tissue or vacuum cleaner to remove it and release it outdoors. To avoid more earwigs, seal gaps in your home, maintain clean outdoor areas, and reduce excess moisture.

In conclusion, the idea of earwigs crawling into ears is just a myth. These intriguing insects are vital for ecosystems globally and should be respected and understood, not feared.