Earwigs are small, nocturnal creatures that are drawn to moist dark places where they can nest and hide during daylight hours. Yard debris, such as wet leaves or decaying branches, compost piles, and mulch are popular nesting places where they also will overwinter. In their search for warm places to overwinter, however, they may also migrate to your foundation or basement.
These flying insects are mostly an annoyance—you will see them in abundance around porch and patio lights—but they also can do some damage in your garden. Evidence of earwig damage is ragged edges and holes in leaves and petals.
Earwigs defend themselves by giving off a foul smelling liquid and by using abdominal pincers to attack other bugs. For humans, a pinch from an earwig is rare and will not break skin, but it does hurt. You can discourage earwigs and protect your garden by keeping your yard clear of debris piles and turning outdoor lights off if they are a nuisance.