Earwigs are primarily nocturnal, feeding at night. They are scavengers, eating primarily dead insects and decomposing plant materials. Some species are attracted to lights. During the day they will seek shelter under organic matter such as mulch, pine straw, leaf litter, and other debris. They prefer dark and damp areas like under sidewalks and stones. They are found in homes and can get in through entry points like doors and windows, and by going up the foundation. They produce large populations rather quickly and are often a major problem in new subdivisions.

When in a home, they have an uncanny ability to seek out moisture. Homeowners can reduce their activity by keeping damp laundry and wet towels off the floor. Remove anything that retains moisture away from the home, leaf litter, garbage bags, children's toys, and potted plants. An outside perimeter treatment will take care of most of the problem, but for heavier infestations some inside treatment may need to be done.