What Are the Earwigs Natural Habitat?

Earwigs are small brownish insects that are identifiable by large pincers coming off their abdomen. They are often found in warm, dark, damp places.

Earwigs are found on every continent on Earth, except Antarctica. They tend to prefer warmer, wetter climates, such as much of South America, but they can also be found in the deserts of Africa.

Earwigs prefer dark, undisturbed places in the wild. They are not aggressive and simply prefer being left alone. They are often found under wood piles, stones, under bark, in small crevices or between leaves.

Earwigs are omnivorous and will eat many different types of foods. They are scavengers, and will often eat decaying matter, the kind you might find under piles of wood or large stones.

Earwigs can have a positive and negative effect on their habitat. They eat harmful aphids off of plants and also eat insect eggs, preventing further spread of more harmful insects. However, as they are omnivorous, they can also cause crop damage, if left untreated.

In your home, earwigs will most likely be found in your basement, in the bathroom, in the walls or in other warm, dark and damp places. They do not chew wood or cause other home damage and can even help in insect control, but their appearance is often startling, due to their pincers.