European Earwigs in past years were more prevalent to areas east of Thunder Bay, but over the past few years have showed large numbers in Thunder Bay and areas west.

This insect is spread largely by man, spreading by natural means is limited because earwigs seldom fly and cannot maintain flight very long.

Adults and nymphs have characteristic “pinchers” or forceps – like structures on the back end of their brown to black somewhat flattened bodies. They maybe as long as 1 inch and have three pairs of well-developed legs. Nymph stages are wingless, but some adult earwigs have hind wings neatly folded underneath short cover-like forewings.  The adult is a rich reddish-brown. 

Earwigs are active at night and seek dark places during the day. They feed on other insects, plants, ripe fruit, and garbage. Plants that it feeds on include clover, dahlias, zinnias, butterfly bush, hollyhock, lettuce, strawberry, celery, potatoes, roses, seedling beans, beets, and tender grass shoots and roots.

It is a nuisance in and about homes and gardens. It is much disliked because of its repulsive appearance to many people, its foul odour, and its habit of feeding at times in kitchen refuse or hiding in a wet mop.