Old wives tale?

[sherrardk]

Do earwigs actually go into people's ears? Our garden seems to be earwig HQ at the moment, they are every flipping where and I really don't like them. Also, do they bite?

[Barmaid]

No idea a ear thing, I was wondering that the other day.

They do nip, one had me last week.

[Barmaid]

"No idea about the ear thing". My poor fingers are not talking to my poor brain.

[boxtops]

Yes, they nip hard, and no, they don't go in people's ears (unless you lie down in the garden, that is).

[sherrardk]

I'm all itchy now - I was changing my clothes the other day and one was inside my flipping trousers!

[boxtops]

http://urbanlegends.a.../owt/blowt-earwig.htm

[carmalee]

urbanlegends.about.com/library/owt/blowt-earw
ig.htm

[Maydup]

I'm finding them everywhere this week sherr. They're on the front door trying to get in, not sure if its the light that's attracting them as they usually like dark places. They're in the fruit and veg, under the shoes and all over the bl**dy place.

Thankfully none in the ears though.

[pretty_snowdrop]

I don't think earwigs actually go in peoples ears, well i have never one in mine anyway. But why do they call them earwigs?? Yucky! lol

[Maydup]

OMG wish I hadn't read that!!

[welshlibranr]

I hate them too Sher, lots in my garden at present too!......
they get in the washing!.......I have to shake everything well before taking it indoors!.....don't think they especially like to get into your ears though!.........but not having them in the house if I can avoid it!.....

[carmalee]

what have I done wrong Boxy - your link is red?

[boxtops]

I thought all links come up red on here, it's red this end too?

[carmalee]

my point! - our links appear to be the same but mine aren't 'live'

[boxtops]

Ah I see - you haven't copied the http:// bit so it's not the full link.

[Maydup]

The earwigs nibbled that bit of the link didn't they carmalee?!

[carmalee]

thanks Boxy

[scotman]

One of my least favourite insects too. Fortunately don't see them very often.

earwig noun an insect with pincers at the end of its body. earwigging noun, colloq a scolding.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon eare ear + wicga insect: this insect was formerly thought to crawl into a person's head through the ear.

[Sqad]

Why shouldn't an ear wig crawl into an ear............of course it can, so can flies and other insects.

[seekeerz]

oh sqad don't ... they've only just convinced themselves that earwigs don't !!