This insect is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. The adult is approximately 15mm in length, has a reddish brown body and is characterised by forceps or pincers which protrude from the end of its abdomen.
Earwigs live primarily outdoors scavenging on both live and dead animal and plant material. They are commonly found in burrows under vegetable debris and crevices in walls particularly in mid summer and will normally only enter buildings towards autumn in search of protection from the cold weather.
The female lays batches of around thirty eggs just below the soil surface which, after hatching, develop in a series of four to six nymphal stages. Earwigs are generally nocturnal and although they do have wings and are capable of flying, rarely do so.
Earwigs are of nuisance value only since they neither spread disease or constitute any risk to health. Indeed, as a predator of aphids (green fly, etc), they may be considered as beneficial in horticulture.
Vacuuming regularly in those rooms which have been ‘invaded’ probably represents the most convenient way of dealing with them indoors.
Repointing brickwork and removing accumulations of vegetable debris will limit but probably not overcome their presence. The latter should, therefore, be complemented with the use of a crawling insect powder suitable for garden application and applied to those areas most likely to offer harbourage. A good tip is to sprinkle some powder on small areas of dry earth in the garden then cover the areas with board, leave for a few days then reapply once more.
Before using an insecticide, to protect yourself and others and to minimise damage to the environment ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE APPLICATION AND USE INSTRUCTIONS PRINTED ON THE CONTAINER.