Earwigs

Earwigs normally live outside but come in to homes where the earwig population outside is large or where their living areas (such as around vegetation or in fence panels) are close to the building they are invading.

Despite its name and threatening appearance, the common earwig is a harmless and interesting creature. Earwigs can be found in damp crevices in houses, gardens and woodland where they feed on decaying plant and animal matter and other insects. Their pincers can give a small nip to a human but they are normally used to scare away predators and to help them tuck their wings away.

It was once commonly believed that earwigs would burrow into people's ears at night and lay eggs in their brains. In fact the story still circulates as an urban myth. Earwigs are not parasitic and would rather lay their eggs under a stone.

The best method of avoiding a plague of earwigs is to deny them suitable living conditions close to the house. Heavy plant growth and compost heaps near to the house provide excellent habitats for them. Chemical control of earwigs is not necessary in the majority of cases.