Earwigs typically like to remain hidden while they feed on leaves, fruits, flowers, mold and insects at night. During the day, they prefer cold, wet, undisturbed areas (think: small, moist crevices). At night, they like to feed on decaying vegetation and plants underneath mulch or wet leaves. Some earwigs will eat seedlings, destroying entire crops; others prefer to dine on smaller arthropods and insects.

Earwigs will scurry away if startled or uncovered. You’re more likely to uncover a large congregation of them rather than individually, especially when found under piles of mulch or lawn debris. They also like to hide in tree holes. When seeking food or warmth, earwigs may enter homes, drawn to water sources, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t make their way into other areas such as bedrooms and family rooms. Attracted to lights, you may spot them congregating on patios and porches during a nice summer evening. They do have pincers, and may pinch your skin if handled, but this is rare.