Earwigs and Ants – Good or Bad?

We all know what ants are. Ants are everywhere in fact. They are found on 6 of the 7 continents and in just about every corner of the Earth. Ants may in fact represent the most numerous of individual organisms on the planet. They can survive some of the harshest environments the planet has to offer. From extreme heat to extreme cold, the chances are that you will see ants roaming about. 

So, are ants considered a good insect or a bad one? Anyone who has been bit by a red ant or had a hard time removing an infestation in or around their home would automatically say that they are a bad one. Combine this with the fact that some ants damage crops as well as structures with their nest building and ants are bad, right? Not so fast. 

Ants actually protect gardens in some areas by feasting on the aphids which destroy plants and flowers. In China, ants are sold to farmers and used as an application to control pests which feast on their crops. So, in truth the answer to the question of “are ants bad?” is complex and nuanced. It all depends on your point of view and your relationship with them. 

Earwigs

These bugs are the little ones with the weird looking pincers on the back end of them. They look worse than they actually are. They don’t harm humans and in fact try to avoid contact with us if they can. 

Earwigs, like ants, are a mixed bag. They can feast on your garden and destroy it, but they also kill other insects we consider pests.

As you probably have noticed over the years, these little buggers prefer dark and damp areas. If you have ever had damp cardboard boxes in storage then you have most likely encountered these things. 

Birds and reptiles like to snatch these things up and eat them. If you live in an area where those things flourish then you probably don’t see a lot of earwigs. Really, balance is what it’s all about. If you have an infestation of earwigs (or most any insect for that matter) then there was probably  a lack of environmental balance which would have kept those populations in check. 

Call your local pest control agent if you are having a problem with an infestation. They will have the means and experience to eliminate the pest problem you are facing.