Order Dermaptera

There are about 1800 different recorded species of Earwig throughout the world, and over 60 species in Australia.

They have short leathery wings, although weak flyers and the abdomen extends well past the wings, usually (but not always) ending with pincer type cerci.

Most are dark brown in colour and around 12 –14mm in length

There is no evidence that they harmful to humans or animals despite also being known as “pincer bugs�

Earwigs prefer to live in moist cool situations, although they are somewhat adventurous and will wander.

Not really considered pest, and in some circles are thought of as beneficial as they feed on other insect, however they are known to eat and damage the soft tissue of developing plants, as well as ripe fruit and garbage.

Do It Yourself Pest Control - Earwigs

1. Loosely rolled up newspaper located in the area they frequent will attract them into the loose folds. Manner of disposal is up to the catcher, although into a bucket of soapy water seems popular.
2. Earwigs are attracted to fish oil and vegetable oil. A small foil pie-dish half filled with oil sunk into the soil up to the rim will trap them successfully.
3. Similar to above using soapy water has also been used with some success.
4. Elimination of rotting vegetation will also remove their favoured habitat