Earwigs in Bed? Simple Solutions to Keep Them Out

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Finding an earwigs in bed can be an unsettling and unpleasant surprise. Even just one of these creepy-looking insects can disrupt a good night’s sleep. Earwigs are one of the most common household pests that can invade your sleeping space, causing a great deal of discomfort and anxiety.

While a single earwig sighting doesn’t necessarily mean you have a full-blown infestation, spotting more than one earwig repeatedly in your bed could indicate a larger issue that needs addressing.

In this article, we’ll discuss the various ways earwigs can find their way into your bed, signs of an earwig infestation, whether earwigs bite or crawl on sleeping humans, where they like to hide, and most importantly, how to prevent them from making your bed their home.

Following our tips and techniques, you can keep earwigs out of your bed and enjoy a peaceful slumber. So, let’s dive in and learn everything you need to know about maintaining earwigs out of your bed!

Why Are There Earwigs in My Bed

Earwigs are drawn to cozy, humid spots to rest during the day, and your layered bedding provides the perfect small, dark hiding place. There are a few reasons these insects may wind up in your sheets and mattress

Seeking Shelter

The warm, cramped environment inside a bed appeals to earwigs as an ideal place to tuck themselves away, especially in cold weather.

Once they discover this refuge, they’re likely to return day after day.

Accidental Access

Your bedroom probably has small entry points like cracks in windows or under doorways that earwigs can squeeze through.

After getting inside, your bed is a nearby shelter they crawl into.

Attracted to Moisture

Earwigs need moisture to survive, just like any living creature.

The natural perspiration, oils, and humidity that build up in bed sheets offer them a moist environment.

Drawn to Food Particles

Earwigs forage at night to find food. Even tiny crumbs we leave behind in bed can be detected and will draw earwigs onto the sheets searching for a meal.

It's also possible for earwigs to find their way inside on items left on the floor or brought in from outside. 

This includes things like damp laundry, plants, firewood, or newspapers. Once indoors, they can quickly end up in bed.

Signs of an Earwig Infestation in Bedroom

Earwigs can be challenging to detect in your bedroom as they are nocturnal creatures and hide during the day. However, there are some visual cues and physical evidence that can indicate their presence.

Live Earwigs

One common sign of an earwig infestation is the sighting of live earwigs crawling on the bed or the floor near the bed.

You may also find their molted skins or excrement around the bed or in nearby areas.

Small Holes in Fabric

Another sign of earwig activity is the appearance of small, irregular holes in fabric or paper materials in your bedroom.

These holes are caused by earwigs chewing through the material to create shelter or foraging sites.

Additionally, earwigs are known to leave a foul odor behind, which can be another sign of their presence.

Skin Irritation

Aside from visual cues and physical evidence, other signs may indicate an earwig infestation in your bedroom.

You may experience unexplained skin irritation or allergic reactions, which earwig bites or their excrement can cause.

This type of skin reaction alone is not a clear sign, as irritation could stem from many factors like bed bugs or allergies unrelated to earwigs. 

However, if you are already seeing evidence of earwigs in the bedroom, resulting skin inflammation or rashes may be connected to their presence.

Earwigs can also cause damage to plants or garden areas outside your home, which may indicate their presence inside as well.

Do Earwigs Bite You in Your Sleep?

Earwigs are known for intimidating pincers and are often feared for their bite. Although they can bite, earwigs rarely do.

They are more likely to use their pincers to hold onto your skin if they feel threatened. If an earwig does bite, it is not dangerous as they are not venomous.

In terms of biting humans while we sleep, it is possible but unlikely. Earwigs are not aggressive insects and are not typically attracted to humans as a food source. Therefore, the likelihood of being bitten by an earwig in bed is low.

Will Earwigs Crawl On Me At Night?

While an unpleasant thought, it is possible for an earwig to crawl on you while you are sleeping. However, it is unlikely they will do so on purpose.

They are not intentionally looking for people to crawl on. However, earwigs may accidentally walk across your skin if you roll over onto one while sleeping.

In addition, earwigs follow moisture and may crawl on you if they detect perspiration or oils on your skin. They are following this trail, not purposely walking on your body.

Even though earwigs prefer to avoid human contact, their natural behaviors can inadvertently lead them to crawl across your arms, legs, or feet at night. While disconcerting, remember they are not trying to bite or harm you.

Where Do Earwigs Hide In Bedroom?

To identify earwig hiding spots in your bedroom, you’ll need to do a thorough inspection of the area.

In Cracks and Crevices

Earwigs are known for their ability to squeeze into tight spaces, so it’s not uncommon to find them hiding in cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and flooring.

In Bedding and Linens

As we mentioned before, earwigs are attracted to warmth and moisture, so they may seek shelter in your bedding and linens.

In Potted Plants

Earwigs are known to hide in potted plants, so if you have plants in your bedroom, be sure to inspect them for earwigs and their eggs.

In Cluttered Areas

Earwigs like to hide in cluttered areas, such as piles of clothes or papers.

Can Earwigs Live in Mattress?

It’s possible, but unlikely, for earwigs to establish long-term residence living inside your mattress.

Earwigs are attracted to small, damp, dark spaces to hide in during the day. At first glance, the inner layers and stuffing of a mattress seem like they could provide such an environment.

However, earwigs prefer to hide somewhere their colony has easy access to leave at night. Being deeply embedded in a mattress would make exiting to search for food each night difficult.

While earwigs won’t colonize and nest inside your mattress, it is possible for one to accidentally get inside if there is a rip or tear in the outer covering.

They may hide away in the inner padding temporarily before finding a way back out.

To fully prevent earwigs from accessing a mattress, be sure to encase it in a sealed, zipped cover and repair any holes in the outer fabric immediately. This will block earwigs and other pests from using your mattress as a hiding spot.

Do Earwigs Eat Bed Bugs?

While both earwigs and bed bugs are nighttime pests we don’t want to find in our beds, earwigs are not an effective natural control for bed bug infestations.

Earwigs are omnivores and will eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet includes things like decaying plant material, fungi, crumbs, and sometimes small insects.

However, earwigs prefer to eat food sources they come across while wandering and foraging. They do not actively hunt other insects.

Bed bugs are very good at hiding in tight spaces during the day where earwigs wouldn’t find them.

And at night when bed bugs come out to feed, they move directly to human hosts – not exposing themselves to potential earwig predators.

So while earwigs will eat an isolated bed bug if they happen to cross paths, they won’t seek out and eliminate a bed bug infestation.

What to Do if You Find an Earwig in Your Bed?

Discovering an earwig in your bed can be startling, but don’t panic. There are some simple yet effective steps you can take to remove unwanted pests and prevent more from crawling into your sheets.

Remove it gently – Use a tissue, glove, or cup to catch the earwig and release it outside. Avoid squishing it as this can leave a mess and odor.

Inspect your sheets – Look for any additional earwigs, excrement, or small dark stains indicating there may be more present. Change and wash bedding if needed.

Check for entry points – Examine windows, door seals, pipes, and vents for gaps earwigs could squeeze through. Seal any you find.

Clean and declutter – Vacuum and clean away any dust, debris, and clutter earwigs could hide in. Remove items stored under the bed.

Limit moisture – Fix any leaks and keep bedding and the bedroom dry to discourage earwigs.

Monitor for more – Check your bed each evening for the next few days to see if more earwigs appear. This will let you know if there is an ongoing issue.

Take action quickly if you continue finding multiple earwigs in your bed on a regular basis.

This likely indicates an established pest population requiring pest control measures to eliminate.

But a one-time earwig sighting can be managed by simply removing it, cleaning up, and sealing access.

Final Thoughts

To recap, earwigs are attracted to warmth, moisture, and shelter, which is why they may end up in your bed.

While earwigs can be a nuisance, they are not dangerous to humans and are unlikely to bite you in your sleep.

If you do find an earwig in your bed, there are several steps you can take to safely remove it.

To prevent future earwig infestations in your bedroom, it’s important to keep your room clean and dry. Seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors to prevent earwigs from entering your home. Keep plants and firewood away from the house, and try to limit clutter and moisture in your bedroom.

Remember, if you’re dealing with an earwig infestation that’s causing a significant problem, it’s best to contact a pest control professional.

They can help you identify the source of the problem and develop a safe and effective plan for eliminating earwigs from your home.

FAQs

Do earwigs live in your bed?

Earwigs can be found in many places around the home, but it is not common for them to live in beds.

Is it safe to sleep in the same room as an earwig?

Yes, it is safe to sleep in the same room as an earwig. Earwigs are not harmful to humans and do not transmit diseases.

Why do I have earwigs all of a sudden?

Earwigs are attracted to damp and dark environments and may enter homes in search of moisture or shelter. They may also be attracted to outdoor lights, which can draw them indoors.

Are there any natural remedies to repel earwigs from my bed?

There are several natural remedies that may help to repel earwigs, such as diatomaceous earth, cedar oil, or citrus oil.

Do earwigs like blankets?

No, earwigs do not have a preference for blankets or any specific bedding materials. They are more focused on finding dark, damp places to hide.

Resources – (for further reading)

National Library of Medicine – Earwig Crawling in the Ear: Myth or Truth

Healthline – Can Earwigs Bite?