Dermaptera is the insect order that includes pincher bugs (earwigs). Pincher bugs (sometimes known as earwigs) are omnivores. They are among the tiniest insect orders, with roughly 2,000 species divided into 12 families. Dermaptera combines the Greek terms derma, which means “skin,” and ptera, which means “wings.” The term derives from an old folk legend in which these bugs go into people’s ears and lay eggs inside their brains. This, however, is a fictional story based on no scientific facts.
Earwigs are the scientific term for pincher bugs. They do, however, have two long pincers projecting from the end of their body, which gives them the nickname “pincher bug.”
Many pincher bug (earwigs) species exhibit maternal care, which is unusual among insects. Pincher bugs, often known as earwigs, are found on all continents except Antarctica.
Most earwigs are nocturnal and live in narrow cracks with small material, such as bark and fallen logs. Species that are blind and live in caves, known as cavernicolous, have been discovered on the Hawaiian island of Oahu and in South Africa. Food is often made up of various live and dead plant and animal components.
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Where Do Pincher Bugs (Earwigs) Live?
Pincher bugs are generally nocturnal, hiding in small, wet nooks during the day and feeding on a wide variety of insects and plants at night. Pincherbugs, particularly the common pincher bug Forficula auricularia, are widely blamed for damaging foliage, flowers, and numerous crops. Before becoming adults, earwigs go through five molts.
Do Pincher Bugs (Earwigs) bite humans?
They rarely bite people or transfer disease. If you pick up an earwig, you can get squeezed by their “claws.” The pinch may be painful, although their pinchers do not contain venom.
Are Pincher Bugs (Earwigs) Dangerous?
Pincher bugs are fairly common and can be found all around the world. There is no proof that they spread diseases to people or other animals. Their pincers are widely thought to be harmful. However, even males’ curved pincers cause little or no harm to humans. Pincher bugs (Earwigs) have been observed to creep inside human ears on rare occasions, but they never lay eggs inside the human body or brain, as is commonly stated.
There is some controversy about whether pincher bugs are harmful or beneficial to crops because they consume both the foliage and the insects that eat the foliage, such as aphids, albeit a big population would be required to cause significant damage. The common pincher bug consumes a wide range of plants and foliage, including leaves and petals.
Pincher Bug vs. Earwig What is the Difference?
Earwigs and pincher bugs are the same insect. The term pincher bug refers to earwig’s two pincers that emerge from the end of its body.
Are Pincher Bugs (Earwigs) Harmful to Houses?
Under extreme conditions, pincher bugs can create swarms and take over large parts of a region. They arrived in large numbers near Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK, in August 1755, particularly in the cracks and fissures of “ancient wooden buildings…so that they dropped out in such multitudes as to actually cover the floor.”
A similar phenomenon occurred in and around a woodland cabin near the Blue Ridge Mountains in the United States in 2006; it persisted through the winter and lasted at least two years.
Spiritual Meaning of the Pincher Bug
The pincher bug represents significant internal and external change. A pincher bug can influence someone by making them persistent and confident in their conversation or argument. Because pincher bugs dislike cold weather, you will prefer a hot location as a traveler. If your Totem animal is an Insect, you are most likely always on the move. It’s not your “thing” to sit still. You want to sail away and drink life’s honey while enhancing others along the way.
Pincher bugs, on the other hand, like other little animals, frequently appear in legends to represent meekness and humility, two desirable attributes treasured by most Native American tribes.
What Do Pincher Bugs (Earwigs) Eat?
Pincher bugs are omnivores creatures, which means they will consume almost anything that is put in front of them. They primarily feed on dead or rotting plant and animal materials in the garden. They will, however, happily feed on aphids, insect eggs, maggots, grubs, and armyworms.
How to Get Rid of Pincher Bugs ( Earwigs)
Although earwigs are rarely hazardous to people, you don’t want them in your home. If you only notice one of these insects now and again, whisk it out of the house and then properly vacuum.
Avoid putting stones in your yard that earwigs can hide.
Earwigs respond well to oil pit traps. Put equal parts soy sauce and olive or vegetable oil in a small plastic jar with a lid. Make a few holes near the top of the container, near the lid. Make the openings large enough to allow the earwigs to enter. Bury the container just up to the holes in the dirt. The soy sauce will draw the earwigs, and the oil will keep them from escaping. As needed, adjust the mixture.
Mulch should not be laid down in layers that are more than 2 -3 inches deep.
Wrap the stems of your plants in petroleum jelly. Pincher bugs won’t be able to climb over it.
Ensure that rain gutters are positioned to divert water away from the house.
Clear the rain gutters.
Clean up your yard so that masses of organic debris, such as branches or leaves, are removed or transported far away from your house or other structures.
If your basement is relatively damp, you may want to install a dehumidifier to assist remove some of the moisture. Address any other rooms that are prone to moisture.
Inspect the exterior of your home and seal any cracks or entry points that an earwig could use.
Food should be stored in insect-proof containers.
Install weather strips on the doors to provide a tight seal.
Clean up spills on counters and stovetops.
Hire an expert to repair any leaking faucets or plumbing.
Regular vacuuming is required.
If possible, do not leave pet food or water outside at night.
If nothing else works, you can hire a professional pest control company.
References
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/earwig-origami-wings-how-they-work-insect-flight
https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/european_earwig.htm
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