The most common species in Pennsylvania is the European earwig. Their most distinguishing physical feature is the claw-like forceps on the end of their abdomen, which are used for protection or capturing prey. Earwigs are active at night and hide during the day in dark, moist places such as cracks and crevices, and under boards and decaying tree bark. They lay eggs underground, and adults can survive the winter. These insects rarely fly and often are transported by humans in bundles of newspaper, luggage, cut flowers, cars and other objects.
Earwigs are mainly scavengers and feed on a variety of foodstuffs.
They eat almost any plant material, as well as lichens, pollen, other insects, and most household pantry items, such as flour, bread and cookies. Although earwig damage to garden and agricultural plants usually is minimal, these insects sometimes seek shelter in and around homes, becoming a serious nuisance. High populations of earwigs often coincide with periods of warm and humid weather. They hide in cracks and crevices and are difficult to keep out, even with screens and other barriers. Jacobs says the first step for controlling earwigs is to eliminate breeding and nesting places.