So what are earwigs FOR? Anyone know?

[AliceSprings123]

Now, I know spiders eat flies/mossies etc, but earwigs?
Was one on my soapdish this morning, running round and round the rim like he was in training for the Earwig Olympics.
So I screamed (as you do), removed the soap and tipped it into the lav. And flushed.
Can earwigs swim?

[ipswichwitch]

No idea. While we’re on, what are daddy long legs for? I mean, apart from getting in peoples faces and taunting my cat. Pointless flappy bastards.

[GlutenFreeGingerCake]

There was one on dh toothbrush once maybe they are very clean pests?

[AliceSprings123]

you mean daddy long legs like crane flies? Answers in the name. They specially like taunting men (usually men cos they're man-hating flies really) up on cranes to make them fall off, crack their heads, and die.
Thort everyone knew that.

[ipswichwitch]

• you mean daddy long legs like crane flies? Answers in the name. They specially like taunting men (usually men cos they're man-hating flies really) up on cranes to make them fall off, crack their heads, and die.
  Thort everyone knew that.*
  
  Then they can bugger off out my house -there’s no cranes here

[GlutenFreeGingerCake]

Just looked up earwigs apparently the name actually comes from the belief they will go in your ear, although this is a myth. Another interesting fact is that they are good mothers who guard their eggs and feed the baby earwigs once they hatch.

[debwong]

What are we for?

[GordonsAlive85]

I think their purpose is to hide in your washing when you put it out, they make my skin crawl

[SupermanWithTheGreyHair]

Why not just put it outside? No, they don’t swim.

[CandidaAlbicans2]

As they eat dead plant and animal matter they are useful for the breakdown of those things and contribute to the overall health of the planet. They are harmless to humans, so please, if you find another one just carefully put it outside somewhere sheltered (they hide in small crevices, under stones, and in compost heaps), rather than kill it. They don't swim any better than a bee would swim, so it would've drowned having been flushed down your toilet.

[AliceSprings123]

@SupermanWithTheGreyHair

Why not just put it outside? No, they don’t swim.

So you live on the top floor of a highrise, broken lift, and it's the w/end so no maintenance peeps on duty.
So, if they don't swim, do they fly?
Pleased to read that the females are good mums, tho.

[Bettyhatesavocados]

Agree with last two posters - why kill it? They're harmless and don't bite. You could have just scooped it up (on a tissue if need be) and put the poor thing outside. No need to drown it

[DismantledKing]

That’s evolution for you; nothing has to exist for a reason. Things that adapt just continue to have babies and carry on the species..

[Bettyhatesavocados]

In those circumstances, I'd just put it on the floor / carpet and let it be. It's not like it's gonna kill you, is it?

[IBuyPestoAndThatsOK]

Yes, they fly - they have beautiful wings tucked under a wingcase.

[NanTheWiser]

@AliceSprings123 yes they do fly! And have remarkable wings -

[SupermanWithTheGreyHair]

So you live on the top floor of a highrise, broken lift, and it's the w/end so no maintenance peeps on duty.
So, if they don't swim, do they fly?

They can fly.

I presume you have a window, you could have let it crawl onto an outside wall if you had got in in a piece of tissue.

[AliceSprings123]

Thank you NanTheWiser for linking to that vid. Actually, they're remarkable and v. beautiful, aren't they?
#INowLoveEarwigs

[cakeseeker]

Can't believe you did that and then wrote about it online too. It was a tiny living creature which was doing you no harm.

I live in a top floor flat and put them out on a windowsill.

[AliceSprings123]

@cakeseeker

Can't believe you did that and then wrote about it online too. It was a tiny living creature which was doing you no harm.

I live in a top floor flat and put them out on a windowsill.

Well, prepare to have your mind blown, yes, I did do that!
Now tho, after watching Nans vid, I'm a total earwig convert
#INowLoveEarwigs

[cakeseeker]

No, not mindblown, just a little upset OP.

[DinosaurDiana]

They’ve always bothered me because, I was told as a child, that if they get into your ear they eat your brain. And that’s why they’re called earwigs !

[DinosaurDiana]

Do flies have a purpose, other than to spread disease ?
Can we not put a genetic disease into the, so they all die or something ?

[SupermanWithTheGreyHair]

Do flies have a purpose, other than to spread disease ?
Can we not put a genetic disease into the, so they all die or something ?

Google is your friend. They’re actually really important to the environment.

[penguinwithasuitcase]

I haven't seen an earwig in about 20 years.

Are they still common? I had thought they were disappearing...!

[NanTheWiser]

@AliceSprings123 I’m glad to have converted you! The insect world is full of the most amazing creatures, even if some of them make your skin crawl, and each one has its place in our universe.