Earwigs
Did you know? There are more than 1,000 species all over the world.
Earwig Facts for Kids
Earwigs get their name from the myth that they crawl into sleeping people's ears and tunnel into the brain. They do not really do that!
There are 22 types of Earwigs in the United States and there are over a 1,000 different species all over the world.
- Size: 1"
- Shape: Long, narrow
- Color: Dark brown
- Legs: 6
- Wings: No
- Antenna: Yes
- Common Name: Earwig
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Dermaptera
- Family: Forficulidae
- Species: Forficula auricularia
Diet:
Earwigs feed on leaves, flowers, fruits, mold and insects.
Habitat:
Earwigs hide during the day and live outdoors in large numbers. They can be found under piles of lawn clippings, compost or in tree holes. They enter buildings through cracks in the walls.
Impact:
They do not spread disease, but they can be scary to look at.
Prevention:
- Remove leaf piles, compost piles or other vegetation from around your home.
- Seal cracks and crevices in the walls of your house.
Find more facts and information on earwigs for kids at the official NPMA website.
Also watch silverfish and earwigs meet face-to-face to determine which pest is the ultimate champion in episode 3 of Bug Battles!
