In the warm, humid months of Ontario summers—particularly in cities like Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville—earwigs tend to make a prominent appearance around homes and gardens. With their intimidating pincers and tendency to show up in damp spaces, these insects often provoke concern among residents. But how much of their reputation is based on myth, and how much reflects a real risk?

This blog explores the reality behind the earwig’s presence in Southern Ontario homes: whether they are truly harmful, what attracts them, and when to seek professional intervention from licensed pest control providers such as Action Pest.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs (order Dermaptera) are nocturnal insects known for the pair of forceps-like pincers (cerci) extending from their abdomen. Despite common folklore, they do not crawl into human ears to lay eggs or burrow into brains—this myth, though persistent, has no basis in scientific fact.

Measuring between 12 and 25 mm in length, earwigs are reddish-brown and prefer damp, dark environments. They are often found in mulch, leaf litter, under stones, and within cracks around foundations. Their diet consists of decaying plant matter, aphids, and other insects—making them both scavengers and, in some cases, minor garden predators.

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

From a medical standpoint, earwigs are not considered dangerous to humans. Their pincers are not venomous and, while they can pinch when handled, they rarely break the skin. There is no risk of disease transmission, and they do not infest human bodies or feed on blood.

However, earwigs may be harmful to gardens and plants in large populations. They can feed on soft fruit, seedlings, and flower petals, particularly in moist garden environments. This can pose a nuisance for horticultural enthusiasts in Burlington, Hamilton, and Oakville—especially when coupled with wet summers.

Moreover, while earwigs do not damage wood like termites, their presence in large numbers around the foundation, under siding, or in bathrooms and basements can suggest underlying moisture problems and may lead to secondary infestations of other insects that thrive in similar conditions.

What Attracts Earwigs to Homes?

Earwigs are moisture-seeking insects. Their presence indoors is usually driven by one of the following factors:

  • Excessive humidity in basements, kitchens, or bathrooms
  • Mulched flower beds or overwatered gardens close to foundations
  • Leaky pipes or improper drainage around the perimeter of a home
  • Outdoor lighting which attracts earwigs at night

Homes in Hamilton and surrounding areas with older foundations, woodpiles near the home, or overgrown vegetation are especially susceptible.

Are Earwigs a Sign of Infestation?

Occasional sightings do not necessarily indicate an infestation. However, repeated appearances—especially indoors—suggest an environmental condition conducive to their breeding. Large populations can overwhelm gardens, creep into baseboards, and become persistent in humid spaces such as laundry rooms.

Given their rapid reproduction cycle and tendency to hide in small crevices, they can be difficult to eliminate without professional assistance.

Legal and Health Considerations

While earwigs are not considered public health pests under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, homeowners have an obligation to maintain premises free from prolonged pest activity under municipal by-laws. Persistent earwig infestations, especially in multi-unit dwellings, may lead to tenant complaints and orders for remediation under the Residential Tenancies Act.

When to Call Action Pest

If you’re encountering frequent earwig sightings in your home or garden, or if you notice signs of increased moisture and plant damage, it may be time to consult a licensed pest control provider.

Action Pest provides prompt, professional, and environmentally responsible earwig management throughout Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, and surrounding areas. Using integrated pest management (IPM) methods, Action Pest can identify points of entry, reduce attractants, and treat the affected zones to bring peace of mind back to your property.

To schedule a consultation or service, call 905.318.1242 or visit actionpest.ca today. Get ahead of the issue before it multiplies.