Mastodawn

5 Types of Earwigs in Texas: What They Look Like and How to Get Rid of Them

If you've ever flipped over a garden pot and found a cluster of slender, pincer-tailed insects scattering in every direction, you've already had your first encounter with earwigs in Texas. These nocturnal insects are far more common across the Lone Star State than most people realize, and their distinctive cerci — the curved forceps at their abdomen's tip — make them one of the more unsettling-looking bugs you'll find in your yard or home. The good news? They're mostly harmless, and with […]

https://animalofthings.com/earwigs-in-texas/

Charring Auh Nov 1

#Earwigs make up the insect order Dermaptera. With about 2,000 species[1] in 12 families, they are one of the smaller insect orders. Earwigs have characteristic cerci, a pair of forceps-like pincers on their abdomen, and membranous

Animal of Things Sep 26

Earwigs in Tennessee: 3 Common Species You Need to Know

You've probably spotted these distinctive insects with their characteristic pincer-like appendages scurrying around your Tennessee garden or basement. While earwigs in Tennessee might look intimidating with their rear forceps, understanding which species you're encountering can help you better manage your property and put your mind at ease about these generally harmless creatures. Tennessee hosts several earwig species, but three stand out as the most frequently encountered by homeowners […]

https://animalofthings.com/earwigs-in-tennessee/

Animal of Things Sep 26

Common Michigan Earwigs: Field Guide to 3 Species

Finding small, brown insects with prominent pincers in your Michigan garden might initially cause concern, but earwigs are far less threatening than their intimidating appearance suggests. These nocturnal insects actually provide beneficial pest control services by feeding on aphids, mites, and other garden pests. Understanding the three most common earwig species in Michigan will help you distinguish between them and appreciate their role in your local ecosystem. Whether you've […]

https://animalofthings.com/earwigs-in-michigan/

Animal of Things Sep 23

3 Common Earwig Species Found in Illinois Homes and Gardens

You might be surprised to learn that Illinois is home to over 20 different earwig species, but only three regularly make their way into your home and garden spaces. These nocturnal insects, with their distinctive pincer-like appendages called cerci, often cause unnecessary alarm among homeowners who mistake them for dangerous pests. Understanding which species you're dealing with can help you respond appropriately and put your mind at ease about these generally harmless creatures. The […]

https://animalofthings.com/earwigs-in-illinois/

Animal of Things Sep 22, 2025

3 Earwig Species Virginia Homeowners Should Know About

If you've spotted a dark, elongated insect with distinctive pincers scurrying across your bathroom floor or garden path, you've likely encountered one of Virginia's resident earwig species. These nocturnal insects are far more common than most homeowners realize, with three primary species calling the Commonwealth home. Understanding which species you're dealing with can help you make informed decisions about management and give you peace of mind about these often-misunderstood […]

https://animalofthings.com/earwigs-in-virginia/

Animal of Things Sep 20, 2025

The 3 Types of Earwigs You’ll Find in Pennsylvania

You might be surprised to learn that Pennsylvania hosts three distinct earwig species, each with unique characteristics that make identification easier than you'd expect. While these nocturnal insects often get a bad reputation due to old myths about crawling into ears, understanding the specific types in your area helps you manage them more effectively and appreciate their role in your garden ecosystem. Whether you've spotted one scurrying across your patio at night or found evidence of […]

https://animalofthings.com/earwigs-in-pennsylvania/

Susan Ramirez Sep 4, 2025

@colo_lee They have tannin that makes your mouth feel dry or even "furry" when you eat them raw. I like the raw flavor, but only one or two at a time. Cooking them with sugar reduces that effect.

I think the main reason they are not more commonly eaten is the ratio of fruit to seed is around 1:1. It's easy to push the seeds out with your fingers and discard them.

When you harvest them, give each cluster a good shake first, then put your bowl under and pull off the cherries. (#earwigs)