Earwigs

The name earwig is derived from an old superstition that these insects enter human ears and work their way into the brain where they become attached and eventually drive their host to madness and/or death.  This fairy tale has no foundation and is entirely false.  Earwigs cause no physical harm to man.  Certain species have scent glands from which they can squirt a foul-smelling liquid. This is probably used for protection; however, it makes them very unpleasant when crushed.

Because of their nighttime activity, they remain in the soil or under debris during the day. Heavily thatched lawns or mulched flower beds are among their preferred daytime habitat. At night they collect in large numbers around street lights, neon lights, lighted windows or similar locations where they search for food. They also forage on food scraps or dead insects.