Habits Earwigs are active at night, seeking protection during the day. They are fast runners, although are unable to fly or crawl long distances. They prefer moist, cool areas, and are attracted to light. Large outbreaks follow a year with higher than normal spring temperatures and less than normal rainfall. A fungal disease attacks nymphs in years that have a cold wet spring.
Earwigs use the pincers for protection against predators and to hold and manipulate prey.
It is rare that anyone is pinched by an earwig, which prefers to run away. The earwig also protects itself by releasing a noxious yellowish-brown fluid that smells like creosote. Diet Earwigs have generalized mouthparts, and feed on a wide range of vegetable and animal matter. They are primarily scavengers, eating dead insects and decaying plant material. They are often found in garbage.