Earwigs are easy to recognize once you know what to look for. These reddish-brown insects grow to about 5/8 to 3/4 inch long, with flattened, elongated bodies and a distinctive pair of pincer-like appendages, called cerci, protruding from their rear end. Despite their intimidating appearance, earwigs move quickly, are mostly nocturnal, and prefer to scurry away and hide rather than confront anything larger than themselves. Some species have short wings tucked beneath their forewings, though they rarely fly.
Southern California’s mild climate and irrigated landscaping make it comfortable for earwigs year-round. They thrive in moist, dark environments and are frequently found under mulch, potted plants, stacked wood, and garden debris, as well as beneath stones, in flower beds, and along irrigation lines. When conditions outside turn hot and dry, earwigs often migrate indoors seeking moisture, commonly slipping in through door thresholds, foundation gaps, and areas around plumbing penetrations. Indoors, they tend to hide in damp spots like bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces.
While earwigs aren’t known to bite people or spread disease, they can become a real nuisance when populations grow large, especially in gardens where they feed on seedlings, soft fruit, flowers, and decaying plant matter, sometimes causing noticeable damage to tender plants. Large numbers finding their way indoors can also be unsettling for homeowners, and their presence often signals excess moisture or organic debris near the foundation that’s worth addressing.
Guarantee Pest Control has served Los Angeles and Orange County homeowners since 1958, and our technicians know exactly where earwigs like to hide in Southern California landscapes, from San Gabriel Valley gardens to Long Beach yards. We’ll inspect your property, identify the moisture sources and entry points drawing earwigs in, and recommend an effective treatment plan tailored to your home, including our eco-friendly Guarantee Green options. Every visit comes with a free estimate, no-penalty cancellation, and a 3-month guarantee on most services. Call 1-800-507-3787 or request a free estimate to get started today.