There are 22 kinds of earwigs in the United States, but the European earwig is the most common species found in South Carolina. Earwigs are not typically destructive pests however, if their population in an area gets out of hand they are known to cause damage to plants. Earwigs feed on decaying organisms and other smaller insects and can often be found hiding under rocks, woodpiles, and leaves. 

Female earwigs mate in the spring and will lay between 30-50 eggs in each batch. They are very protective of their eggs and will guard, protect, and move their eggs if needed. Earwigs lifespan can last up to one year.