Don’t Worry Iowa: Nightmare-Fuel Bug is Actually Good for Your Garden

You'd think I was describing some form of new xenomorph from the Alien universe with this description: a narrow, dark brown or black body, a pair of prominent pincers on it's rear end, long thread-like antennae, and the creepy scuttling movements that accompany segmented legs, which long for dark damp places to rest before coming out at night to feed.

If the butt-pinchers didn't give it away, I'm talking about the truly disturbing-looking and ultra-common insect: the Earwig.

Story time: when my wife and I were first married we lived in an apartment building in the city of Cascade, specifically in a lower apartment. This lower-level living matters to the story, and I will tell you why. As fall approached and insects began to look for warm places to shelter, I was unaware of the small infestation that was growing near our largest living room window. Where our cable and internet entered our apartment, so had poured in dozens of the most menacing and disgusting-looking bugs I had ever seen, and in mass.

Even worse, we didn't realize it had occurred until we turned on the lights to prepare for bed after a nice Walking Dead marathon. That's when we noticed them crawling literally every where: on the ceilings, carpeting, the dishes, all over the windows, and cabinets. Needless to say, I spent the next couple of hours using a vacuum cleaner to gather the infestation and repairing a hole way-to-big for a single cable to come in through. Obviously we don't want these menacing insects of terrifying fiction running rampant in our homes, but if you find them in your garden it could be a good thing.

Earwigs: Isects of Terrifying Fiction

Earwigs, with their menacing appearance and pincers, have been the subject of numerous myths and misconceptions. One persistent myth is that earwigs crawl into human ears and lay eggs in the brain, a fear rooted in their name derived from the Old English "ear wicga," meaning "ear wiggler." Despite the unsettling myth, there is no truth to this belief; earwigs are not interested in entering human ears, and the idea that they tunnel into the brain is purely fictional. However, they can occasionally be found in ears, but only by complete accident.

In literature, earwigs have been portrayed as murder instruments, such as in Oscar Cook's story "Boomerang," adapted into a Night Gallery TV episode. Additionally, in Japan, earwigs are ominously called "Chinpo-Basami" or "Chinpo-Kiri," meaning "penis cutter," possibly due to their presence around old-style toilets. Despite their fearsome pincers, which they use primarily for defense and mating, earwigs pose little harm to humans. These myths and their intimidating appearance contribute to the earwig's fearsome reputation, although they are generally harmless creatures that can even benefit gardens by controlling pests.

Why Is It Good to Find An Earwig In Your Garden?

Despite their menacing appearance and all the unsettling myths, earwigs are beneficial for your garden. These ancient insects, which belong to the order Dermaptera, are effective natural pest controllers. They feed on aphids, insect eggs, maggots, grubs, and other pests that can damage plants. This scavenging behavior helps to protect your garden from significant pest-related harm.

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Additionally, earwigs contribute to the decomposition of dead plant material, enriching the soil with essential nutrients. While they are omnivores and may occasionally nibble on young plants and foliage, their overall impact is usually not detrimental (unless there is an infestation). By maintaining a balance in the garden ecosystem, earwigs help promote healthier plant growth. Their role in breaking down organic matter and controlling pest populations makes them a valuable, if often misunderstood, ally in gardening.

How Do I Keep the Earwigs In My Garden And Out Of My Home?

A little prevention goes a long way with these bugs. Once I fixed the hole at my apartment we never had the problem again. To keep earwigs out of your home and other unwanted areas, start as I did by sealing any cracks around windows and doors to prevent their entry. Remove debris, mulch, and leaf piles away from the foundation of your house, as these provide moist hiding spots and food for earwigs. Use traps like rolled-up dampened cardboard or newspapers, which attract earwigs seeking moisture; dispose of these traps regularly. For a more permanent solution, consider using oil pit traps with soy sauce and oil, which lure and trap earwigs. Additionally, spraying a pesticide guard around the exterior of your home can create a barrier.

When it comes to the Earwig, What's the Bottom Line?

Next time you see an earwig scuttling about, don't get all "pinched" up about it! While they might look scary, these little bugs are beneficial. Earwigs help keep your garden healthy by munching on those pesky aphids and other harmful insect eggs, and they assist in breaking down organic matter enriching the soil where they live. If they do try to crash your home; seal up those cracks, clear away debris, and use traps to relocate them. Remember, earwigs are more garden guardians than ear invaders or male-member-murderers. So let’s give these misunderstood critters a break—they're just looking to lend a helping "pincer"!