Do earwigs bite people?
Quick Answer
Earwigs do not bite or sting; they can, however, use their forceps to pinch people, but this rarely breaks the skin. The act of pinching is a last ditch effort when they are picked up and agitated. Earwigs, contrary to popular belief, pose no danger to humans and do not lay eggs in a human host's ears.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
The forceps are used during mating and to hold prey. Earwigs have no stinger, do not bite humans and do not have any venom. Earwigs live in dirt and soil so if in the rare circumstance that someone is pinched by an earwig and it breaks the skin, use an antibiotic cream or lotion to disinfect the wound.
If earwigs are found in the house it may well be due to potted plants indoors or cracks in the foundation. Earwigs do not enter a home to settle down and start colonies and they nest and lay their eggs in soil. Cities and towns near marshes, or houses near bodies of water are likely to have higher populations of earwigs, but there are a few things that can be done to minimize the number in the yard. Removing rotting material, such as old logs, twigs and mulch to places farther away from the house can reduce the number near the home.
Learn more about BugsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What attracts mosquitoes?
A: Mosquitoes are attracted to bacteria and microbes that live on skin. They are also attracted to chemicals emitted through the skin, such as ammonia and oct... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some great mosquito repellents?
A: Popular brands of mosquito repellent that can be applied to the skin to keep mosquitoes at bay include OFF! and Cutter, which are available at most grocery... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Do praying mantises bite?
A: A praying mantis can grab onto skin and bite, but it is rare for it to do so. These insects may mistake a finger or any other small part of the body for pr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why do bed bug bites itch?
A: According to Everyday Health, bedbug bites itch because of an allergic reaction to the saliva left on the skin by the bedbug. The immune system releases hi... Full Answer >Filed Under:
