Most species prey on other insects and supplement their diet with decaying organic matter found in soil or garbage. In addition to consuming aphids, beetle larvae, and maggots, earwigs also eat seeds of grain. Earwigs are essentially beneficial insects that prey on more harmful insects. Though large populations may do direct damage to grass by feeding on it, earwigs are mainly a nuisance pest just because of their presence. If trapped or touched, earwigs pinch the offender with their forceps.
Earwigs are nocturnal pests that hide from light and feed at night.
In central and southeastern states, they overwinter in all stages under stones or debris or in other protected places. During cold winters, they are likely to invade greenhouses, sheds, and houses. Ringlegged earwig females deposit in several batches, an average of 47 eggs. European earwig females, on the other hand, lay 50 to 90 eggs. The mother guards her eggs, eating any fungi that start to grow on them and protecting them from predators.