Homeowners may suddenly discover a population in their basement, garage, or other structure. Earwigs prefer high-moisture conditions. They will migrate indoors during periods of prolonged heat or drought to seek cool, moist hiding places. During the winter, they burrow into the ground or seek shelter deep in leaf litter or beneath structures on the ground. They forage at night, and sometimes large congregations of earwigs can be seen under a strong light.
Earwigs have chewing mouthparts.
Scavengers, they feed on both living and dead insects as well as on mosses, lichens, and algae. Occasionally they feed on growing plants and may cause damage to house plants or greenhouse plant material. Inside the home they may also feed on sweet, oily, or greasy foods. Earwigs can be found around paper and fiber products in kitchens and bathrooms as well. Control Sanitation and removal of hiding places help control earwig infestations inside.