Hobbies And Interests
Where Earwigs Live in the World
Earwigs originally came from Europe. With human exploration, the insects traveled to North America and Australia, and now live around the globe, except in Antarctica.
Their Habitat
Earwigs like sheltered areas that are dark and moist. They are most commonly found under fallen branches, logs and rocks. In your home, earwigs prefer to reside in crevices and cracks in your floorboards or molding. A dark, humid basement corner is an excellent earwig habitat. In your garden, they can be found under flower pots or leaf litter.
Feeding Time
Despite their menacing appearance, earwigs aren't typically hunters. Most of the earwig's diet comes from scavenging decaying plants or animals. On occasion, earwigs will take down a live insect. Unfortunately for gardeners, earwigs also will prey upon live garden plants and vegetables.
Earwig Habits
Earwigs don't do much during the day unless disturbed. They are most active at night when they come out to eat. A female earwig makes a good mother. She stands guard over her eggs and even cleans them to keep fungus from growing. Unlike many insects, she even maintains her guard once the young hatch, and stays by them until they can make it on their own in the world.