Residents and gardeners across Missouri frequently encounter the earwig, a creature often misunderstood and unfairly maligned. These insects, with their distinctive pincers and reddish-brown bodies, navigate the humid summers and variable winters of the Show-Me State much like they do in other regions of the country. Understanding their specific habits, their role in the local ecosystem, and the realistic risks they pose is essential for effective management and coexistence.
Identifying Earwigs in the Missouri Landscape
To determine if you have earwigs in your Missouri property, you must first learn to identify them correctly. The most common species here is the European earwig, which provides a clear visual template for what to look for. Recognizing these physical features removes the mystery and fear often associated with their appearance.
Physical Characteristics and Size
Adult earwigs in Missouri typically measure between one-quarter and one-half inch in length. Their bodies are elongated, flat, and range in color from a reddish-brown to a dark, almost black hue. The most iconic feature, which gives the insect its name, is the pair of forceplike cerci protruding from the rear of the abdomen. While these look intimidating, they are primarily used for defense and catching prey.
Behavioral Traits and Nocturnal Habits
Earwigs are nocturnal insects, meaning they are most active during the night. During the daylight hours in Missouri’s long summers, they seek shelter in cool, dark, and moist crevices. You will commonly find them under mulch, inside dense ground cover, or beneath objects like rocks and patio stones that trap humidity.
Why Missouri is a Suitable Habitat
The climate and geography of Missouri create environments where the earwig population can thrive. The state's combination of warm temperatures, significant rainfall, and diverse flora provides ideal conditions for these insects to live and reproduce year-round.
Moisture and Humidity Preferences
Missouri experiences high humidity, particularly in the eastern half of the state near the Mississippi River. Earwigs require moist environments to survive because they breathe through a series of tracheae that can dry out easily. Damp basements, leaky outdoor faucets, and poorly drained garden beds are attractive to them because they prevent desiccation.
Shelter and Food Sources
The abundant vegetation in Missouri offers ample hiding places. Tall grasses, leaf litter, and dense shrubbery serve as perfect harborage. Regarding diet, earwigs are opportunistic feeders. They consume both plant matter and insects, feeding on aphids and mites (which can be beneficial) while also nibbling on the soft leaves of annuals or the pollen of flowers (which can be a nuisance).
The Misconception of the Earwig Myth
Perhaps the most persistent myth surrounding the earwig is the old wives' tale that these insects crawl into human ears while people sleep and lay eggs in their brains. This folklore has no basis in scientific fact and has caused unnecessary panic for generations. It is crucial to separate this superstition from the reality of the insect's behavior.
Debunking the Ear Canal Legend
Earwigs do not target humans as hosts. They have no interest in entering ear canals. Their cerci, while capable of a pinch, are primarily used to catch prey or deter predators like birds and spiders. If an earwig does come into contact with a human, it is usually a random encounter seeking shelter, not a deliberate attack or invasion.
Potential Risks and Minor Nuisance
While earwigs are not dangerous vectors of disease, they can become a significant nuisance when their populations surge. The primary concern for Missouri residents is the damage these insects can inflict on ornamental plants and gardens.
