ABSTRACT
Earwigs are relatively harmless insects that are occasionally seen inside homes. They are included in this reference because of an old wives’ tale that these insects enter human ears, causing much torment (hence the name earwig). Earwigs do not enter human ears, or even bite, but some of the larger species may pinch human skin with their abdominal cerci.1 In addition, they have a frightful appearance, move rapidly around baseboards at ground level, and may emit a stinking, yellowish-brown liquid from their scent glands.
