Their habitat is usually outdoors where they live together in large numbers and can be found under piles of lawn debris, mulch or in tree holes. Earwigs need moisture to survive. Earwigs are mostly active at night and they eat dead insects and decomposing plant materials. They are also attracted to light. They will gain entry to a structure through exterior cracks and crevices, window sills, drains, utility pipes, doors and windows.

Although they are not known to spread diseases, these nuisance pests have a menacing appearance that can be alarming to homeowners.