Quick Answer: Earwigs can end up in a human ear, but it’s extremely rare and they have zero interest in burrowing into your brain or laying eggs inside you.
The idea of a pincer-tailed “ear-worm” wriggling into your head is as old as the word earwig itself—the Old English “ēare-wicga” literally means “ear wiggler.” French, German and Russian names are just as creepy. Yet modern science and decades of field work tell a calmer story.
Why Earwigs Probably Won’t Choose Your Ear
- Wrong habitat. Earwigs thrive in damp mulch, under stones, and inside rotting logs where they feed on decaying plant matter and soft-bodied insects—not in warm, waxy ear canals.
- Accidental entry only. Documented cases (including a handful reported in U.S. emergency rooms over the past decade) show that insects in ears are most often cockroaches, moths, ticks or small spiders. Earwigs account for very few incidents, and none have confirmed egg-laying.
- No burrowing tools. Those rear forceps look menacing but are designed for defense and mating, not drilling through skin or bone. The insect’s mouthparts lack the cutting power to “burrow into brains.”
What Could Happen if an Earwig Crawls In
- Immediate discomfort and noise. Movement against the eardrum feels odd and may sound like scratching.
- Minor abrasion. The insect can cause slight irritation but serious damage is highly unlikely.
- Secondary infection risk. As with any foreign body, bacteria can multiply if the ear isn’t cleaned promptly.
First-Aid Steps
- Stay calm; tilt the affected ear upward.
- Gently flood the canal with warm mineral or olive oil to float the insect out or kill it humanely.
- Seek medical help if pain, hearing loss or bleeding occurs—never go digging with tweezers.
How to Keep Earwigs (and Other Bugs) Out of Ears and Homes
Around the Yard
- Rake back mulch and leaf litter at least 12 inches from the foundation to remove the moist shelter earwigs love.
- Fix dripping spigots and redirect downspouts; dry soil equals fewer earwigs.
- Swap bright porch bulbs for warm-colored LEDs that attract fewer night-active insects.
Inside the House
- Seal gaps around doors, utility lines and basement windows with silicone or weather-stripping.
- Keep basement and crawl-space humidity below 50 percent with vents or a dehumidifier.
- Vacuum wall-floor junctions regularly; empty the canister outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an earwig lay eggs in my ear?
No documented medical case shows earwig eggs in a human ear.
Are earwigs poisonous or able to bite?
They don’t bite or carry venom. Their forceps can pinch lightly if mishandled but rarely break skin.
Why do I see earwigs in my bathroom at night?
They follow moisture. Leaking pipes, damp towels or high humidity lure them indoors.
What attracts earwigs to Pennsylvania homes in summer?
Evening lawn irrigation, thick mulch beds and cracks in aging masonry give earwigs both moisture and easy entry points.
Professional Help When You Want Zero Guests—Even Rare Ones
While the odds of waking up with an earwig in your ear are minuscule, large outdoor populations can still slip inside, stain fabrics and spook the family. Moyer’s year-round HomeGuard program targets moisture-loving pests at the source, sealing entry points and treating hotspots before insects wander in.
Ready for peace of mind?
Call 215-799-2010 or request service online and let our licensed technicians keep every bug—earwig or otherwise—where it belongs: outside.