They are rarely harmful to man, but have large, pincher-like abdominal appendages called forceps, which present a formidable appearance. Earwigs have flattened bodies and can enter homes through very small cracks. However, they are accidental invaders and do not reproduce indoors. A few earwig species cause some damage by feeding on crops and ornamental plants but most play a beneficial role by feeding on other insects.
Some species emit a foul odor.
However, the most common complaint against the earwig is its mere presence in homes and apartments. Its name comes from a European superstition that the insect would enter the ear of a sleeping person and bore into the brain. They are flattened from top to bottom, which allows them to crawl through extremely small cracks. Their color ranges from brown to black and some species have yellow or buff-colored stripes or a reddish coloring on the head and body. All earwigs have a pair of hardened abdominal appendages which protrude backwards as a tail.