Earwigs are mainly scavengers and feed on a variety of foodstuffs. Although earwig damage to garden and agricultural plants usually is minimal, these insects knack for seeking shelter in and around homes, becoming a serious nuisance. When earwigs invade homes, they can get into everything, including laundry, furniture, flour, loaves of bread, cookies and even clothing and bedding. Their most distinguishing physical feature is the claw-like forceps on the end of their abdomen, which are used for protection or capturing prey. Earwigs are active at night and hide during the day in dark, moist places such as cracks and crevices, and under boards and decaying tree bark. They lay eggs underground, and adults can survive the winter. These insects rarely fly and often are transported by humans in bundles of newspaper, luggage, cut flowers, cars and other objects.