The earwig is a curious-looking insect that sometimes invades homes. Although the earwig may look dangerous, it isn't. The common name, earwig, comes from an old European superstition that the insect could enter the ear of sleeping people and bore into their brains.
Earwigs are merely annoyance pests.
They do not cause harm nor can they reproduce inside the house. Earwigs are flat in appearance and have long legs and antennae, and the forceps-like cerci is their most obvious characteristic. Even immatures have the forceps. Their cerci lack muscles, so although they will attempt to grasp your finger if you get too close, earwigs cannot do much more than hold on or give a slight pinch. Adult earwigs have wings but do not use them to fly.