Earwigs

 

Photo by: K. Leeker

In Roald Dahl’s children’s book “George’s Marvelous Medicine” Georges’ grandmother encourages him to eat unwashed celery with beetles and earwigs still on it. “A big fat earwig is very tasty,” Grandma said, licking her lips, “but you’ve got to be very quick, my dear, when you put one in your mouth! It has a pair of sharp nippers on its back end and if it grabs your tongue with those it never lets go. So, you’ve got to bite the earwig first, chop chop, before it bites you!”  This nightmare-inducing excerpt from a children's book is indicative of the myths surrounding the oft-considered creepy, earwig.

Most of us have encountered an earwig at some point in our lives, usually in our gardens, but also occasionally in our homes. Many would agree they are intimidating with those large pincers pointed upwards in a sign of defense. Earwigs have been around for over 200 million years, and the ancient fossils looked very similar to our current earwigs. There are nearly two thousand species occurring on every continent except Antarctica, with twenty-five species found in North America and ten of those found in the United States. The most common one to be encountered in our area is the non-native European earwig, first introduced to the United States in 1907 when it was found in Seattle, Washington. They spread very quickly throughout the country and are now frequently found around our homes and gardens. They are relatively small insects measuring less than ¾ of an inch, the body is dark brown with a reddish head and pale brown legs. They have membranous wings protected by short forewings. While they are capable of flying they rarely do. The most recognizable characteristic of the earwig is the large forcep-like pincers on the tip of the abdomen. Males have curved pincers, whereas females have straight pincers. While these appendages look dangerous, they are not harmful unless you are the insect prey they are after. Yes, they can pinch us with them, and I have been pinched several times,  it will not break the skin unless you are a very young child or elderly and even then it would be superficial. In addition, they are not known to spread any diseases to humans or other animals.

The name earwig is derived from an Anglo-Saxon word that means ear creature. Sounds pleasant doesn’t it? Many scientists believe their name is derived from the common superstition that earwigs crawl inside your ear and burrow into your brain to lay eggs. When the eggs hatch the presence of the young will drive you insane. While it is not likely to have one of these insects climb into your ear, it is not impossible. There is documentation of earwigs entering the ear canal of unsuspecting people. Most often this occurs at night when the earwig is most active and by morning it is searching for a dark, damp place to hide….a human ear would fill this need. Upon waking your ear feels strange as if something is crawling around in there. A loved one shining a flashlight into your ear informs you that you have an uninvited guest taking up residency. A trip to the doctor and a relatively minor extraction will bring welcome relief. I can imagine when humans first resided in caves and other sheltered areas exposed to all manner of creatures, it was probably commonplace to have an insect crawl inside your ear opening. Then imagine this knowledge being passed down for thousands of years until it persists as fact in our culture.

Occasionally these insects appear in massive hoards. In 1755 they appeared in vast numbers near Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK where they took shelter in cracks and crevices in human dwellings. Their numbers were so large they would fall from the ceilings covering the floors below. In more recent times, in 2006, throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, a plague of millions of earwigs caused much annoyance to residents as they hung around for over two years! No one seems to know why or how to predict when plagues of earwigs will occur, but fortunately, it is a rare occurrence.

However, they may occur in larger numbers than we may like in years when we have heavier than usual rainfall, creating the moist conditions these bugs favor. During these rainy years, we may encounter them in the cracks and crevices of picnic tables, lawn furniture, underneath chair cushions, waste bins, compost piles, window frames, and other sheltered areas. Nocturnal by nature, they are rarely encountered during the day unless you happen to disturb their hiding spot. Most species are scavengers, but they will also eat most any plant matter as well as soft-bodied insects like aphids. The European earwig is known to cause damage to various vegetable crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, celery, chard, potato, beets, and cucumbers as well as many others. In massive enough numbers, they may cause damage to corn as they feed on the silk of the plant. Usually, they do not occur in numbers large enough to cause significant damage. There are good benefits to these insects as well as bad. They do feed on aphids, scale insects, and other insects known to cause much damage to plants.

Earwigs do not tolerate extreme cold when outside, this causes many to move into human structures seeking shelter. Those that do remain outside create a burrow underground where a male and female will live together. Mating occurs at this time. In the spring when the female is ready to lay her eggs, she will evict the male. After laying up to eighty eggs, she will guard them from predators. One of the few insects to express maternal care for their offspring, she will clean fungi off the eggs by consuming the fungus. This action leaves behind an antifungal enzyme that helps the eggs resist deadly fungi. Once hatched the mother will remain with the nymphs until they shed their skin twice. During this time, she will leave the young long enough to retrieve food, bring it to the burrow, and feed all those hungry mouths. She will also regurgitate food into their mouths. Earwigs only live about one year, therefore after months of working so hard to care for her young, the mother will perish within the nest as the ultimate sacrifice. The young will feed on her corpse and leave the burrow fat, healthy, and ready for life on their own. ‘

If you find yourself with an earwig infestation in your home, try to eliminate areas where they can enter. Fix leaky faucets and air conditioning units.  Eliminate damp, moist conditions consistent with mulch, wood chips, boards, bricks, and gravel against the house. If the problem persists or is of a large enough scope to be unmanageable you may need to call a professional to spray for them. If you choose to use insecticides yourself, always follow instructions and keep in mind many beneficial insects will die along with your target insect. For me, they are fascinating creatures, however, I have no intention of sampling some earwig-infested celery!

Arabesque Orb Weaver

 

Male

Charlotte’s Web, a cherished childhood story about a spider who befriends a friendless pig is, for many of us, our first encounter with a spider. Charlotte is often depicted as a black widow, but those of us who understand, and love spiders know she is actually an orb weaver.

Orb weavers are one of the most common spiders found throughout the world with over 2800 known species. They are primarily identified by their elaborate round or “orb-shaped” webs. They are believed to have first appeared on Earth during the Jurassic Period approximately 200-140 million years ago. With such a long ancestry they have certainly had enough time to perfect web building.

Webs are generally oblong in shape and can be quite large with dimensions well over three feet common. Many species of orb weavers add an intricate zipper-like pattern to the center of their web, called a stabilimentum. It is not completely understood what this zig-zag patterns function is. The most popular held opinion is that it acts as an attractant for insects by reflecting UV light, essentially drawing insects into the sticky web. Others believe it is a deterrent by providing a visual for birds and an echo for bats, keeping these winged creatures from flying into the web and tearing it to pieces. Still others believe it acts as a stabilizing mechanism to make the web stronger, and more able to withstand the impact and struggle of large insects. No matter what its intended function actually is, it is a fascinating phenomenon of nature. It is this “writing” in the web than lends us to understand Charlotte was an orb weaver. She was a skilled weaver of messages within the web, and while orb weavers are not going to leave “good pig” messages in their webs, they are going to build master insect traps.

So how does the spider build the web? She releases a strand of silk into the wind hoping it will reach a solid surface where it will adhere. Once attached she will begin creating the outer spokes of the web and then work her way to the center of the web in a purposeful fashion until all the strands of silk are placed in a perfect pattern. These strands are made up of several types of silk. Some have sticky globs of silk to capture her prey, and other strands are not sticky at all, allowing her to navigate her own web without being caught in her own trap.

Many orb weavers consume the remainder of their web each morning in a form of spider recycling. It takes a lot of energy to create silk, so by consuming their leftover silk they have developed a way to reduce the amount of energy they need to create a new one. Plus, the webs are often severely damaged by struggling insects. These shredded webs will not function as adequate bug catchers, so new webs must be formed.

One of the most common orb weavers in Missouri is the Arabesque orb weaver, they are found in a wide variety of habitats, but seem to prefer woodlands. Not as flashy as some orb weavers, like the black and yellow garden spider, she is still beautiful in her own right. Their color may vary from a rich golden-yellow, brown, orange or nearly black. She will have a series of black or dark brown comma-like markings on her abdomen, which are a distinctive identifying characteristic of this species. Like nearly all orb weavers the females are larger than males and will often be spotted resting head down in the center of the web of an evening. During the day, they will look for a retreat away from the web, often in the form of a rolled leaf.

Several years ago I was contacted by author and science teacher Larry Weber about borrowing one of my pictures of a this species for a book he was writing for spiders of the North Woods. I was happy to grant his request and honored to have my photograph featured on one of the pages of "Spiders of the North Woods" This is a great, full color field guide that is sure to help individuals identify whatever spider they happen to come across in the Northern regions of our country. To purchase this valuable guide click the link  Spiders of the North Woods Be sure to look for the arabasque spider on page 114.

Female

The word arabesque describes a graceful ballet movement as well as a highly ornate design consisting of curves and swirls that sometimes intersect. I am not sure I would describe this spider as graceful, and I have certainly never seen one move like a ballet dancer. The second definition of Arabesque is, however, most fitting. The pattern on their abdomen is incredibly detailed and ornate, arabesque-like indeed.

All spiders use venom to capture prey. Orb weavers bite their quarry and inject a tissue dissolving venom before wrapping it up in a silken cocoon to save for later. If large wasps or bumblebees become entangled in the web, she will wrap first and bite later. No sense in risking a sting! The venom will begin dissolving the tissue for her, allowing her to digest her food more readily in the form of an insect slurpee.

I am often asked if these, and other orb weavers are harmful to humans. Beyond causing temporary heart palpitations when you unwittingly become entangled in the web, they are harmless. Will they bite? I always say almost anything with a mouth has the potential to bite, but you are only likely to be bitten by an orb weaver if you harass it or if it somehow becomes caught in your clothing. Bites are harmless, and no more painful or dangerous than a bee sting. If you are allergic to bee venom, definitely be watchful of any symptoms that could indicate a more serious reaction.

Poison Ivy

Few plants in nature illicit as strong of a reaction as poison ivy, both figuratively and literally. This dreaded plant is native to North America and Asia and may grow as a vine, small shrub or a small tree-like plant. Leaves occur in a cluster of three arranged alternately from each other. This leaf arrangement explains the popular saying “Leaves of three, leave it be.”

Leaves may be elliptic or egg-shaped and the edges may be smooth, lobed, or serrated. In the spring tiny greenish colored blooms appear and by autumn small white berries are present, “berries white, run in fright.” Vines are rope-like and hairy. “Hairy vine, no friend of mine.” This is a more accurate way to identify the vine, as no other vines in our region are covered in hair, but there are many plants with three leaf configurations, and many are mistaken for poison ivy. 

So why the dread? If you have ever experienced a poison ivy rash, you would know the answer, but for the few who have not they cannot imagine. The sap within the plant tissue is made up of a compound of multiple chemicals, the most obnoxious of these is urucshiol (pronounced yer-OO-shee-all). This compound binds to the skin causing severe itching, which later develops into reddish inflammation, bumps, and often blisters. Large quantities of urucshiol has the potential to suppress the body’s production of prostaglandin, a fatty acid which aids in the body’s ability to battle inflammation. A full-blown immune reaction occurs, and white blood cells go to battle within the affected cells and cause the often-extreme contact dermatitis we experience. In extreme cases anaphylaxis may occur, requiring immediate medical care.

One of the most diabolical aspects of urucshiol is how little is required for a reaction. An amount smaller than a grain of salt can lead to a breakout. More than 90% of people are allergic to this compound and approximately 350,000 people annually experience reactions strong enough to require medical care. There is no way to know the accuracy of how many individuals are affected each year as most cases never get reported. A common myth individuals have in association with poison ivy is the notion they are not allergic to it. This simply is not true, or at least very unlikely. Just because you have been fortunate to not experience a reaction from exposure to the plant, does not mean your luck will continue. Poison ivy is one plant that breaks down your immune system, therefore the more you are exposed to it the more likely you are to have a reaction. I for one used to brag about not being allergic simply because I was arrogant enough to believe that because I had never had a reaction that I therefore never would. Did I ever learn a lesson the hard way! I had my first major reaction in my thirties and now find myself battling reactions multiple times each year. Lesson learned! 

Another commonly held belief is that your blistering, weepy sores will spread the rash. This is not the case. Your body is simply producing the fluid as an immune response to exposure. The appearance of a spreading rash instead indicates that some areas of exposed skin received more poison and reacted sooner than other areas of your skin. Or it may indicate a reinfection from touching something that came in contact with the oils. This could be a yard tool such as a hoe or shovel or perhaps a doorknob, faucet, or other surface you touched inadvertently and left the oils behind. This creates a real potential for repeated contact, thus extending the length of time of the rash. Wipe down surfaces with bleach wipes or other commercial cleaner if you know you’ve come in contact with poison ivy. Urucshiol has a long life on surfaces and may carry the potential to reinfect for many years after exposure to the oils. Even dead plants may infect individuals, years after they were killed. This is one determined plant!

Never burn poison ivy, this creates a serious health risk. The oils will rise with the smoke and may be inhaled, and a rash will appear in your lungs causing extreme pain and the potential for respiratory failure. Eating the plant has its own set of risks. One would think we should not have to even consider this warning, but there are individuals out there that swear by eating young, tender, newly developed leaves (one per week for nine weeks) you will build your immune system and give yourself protection from a reaction if exposed. Medically we know ingestion can affect the mucus lining of the mouth and stomach, causing severe stomach pain and may lead to serious digestive system issues. Is it worth the risk to your health to attempt such a daring experiment in the hope of building an immunity to this plant? Wouldn’t avoiding the plant be a better option?

Generally, the rash appears within a week of exposure, but for some it may happen in mere hours. I for one fall into the category of the latter. I can touch the plant and by the end of the day I have a rash! How do we find relief? If you know you have come in contact with poison ivy, wash with cold water and soap as quickly as possible. You may try rubbing alcohol too, as I have heard this works well. I’ve read jewelweed works well as an alternative for dissolving the oils on your skin if you find yourself away from a water source and know you’ve been exposed. Jewelweed almost always grows near poison ivy…coincidence? Maybe not.

Once the rash appears, try not to scratch the maddening itch, it will increase the potential for infection. Applying calamine lotion or a corticosteroid may provide relief. Another potential product to try is Burow’s Solution, made up of aluminum acetate.

You can also create your own treatment using natural elements. 

 

Recipe for Poison Ivy Rash Remedy

1 bottle witch hazel

5-10 jewelweed plants (depending on how much you want to make)

1 mason jar

Crush the jewelweed plant to release juice, then chop or tear and fill the jar loosely. Once in jar continue crushing with pestle or your fingers to release more juices. Add witch hazel and store in cool dark place for 3 weeks. Drain through a sieve to collect the liquid and throw all plant material away. Pour liquid into jar making sure no plant material remains. Apply liberally to ivy rash using a cotton ball, up to 5 times a day. It will greatly speed up your healing time.

These days we hear a lot about climate change with many individuals feeling very passionate about the effects humans are having on the atmosphere and weather conditions, still others call it hype. No matter what side of the aisle you fall on, we know through research that current higher levels of CO2 in our atmosphere is changing poison ivy. This plant is growing more vigorously and has doubled in abundance in the past fifty years. The very chemical balance of the plant is also changing in potency causing an increase in urucshiol which has nearly doubled since 1960! It will only continue to increase with more atmospheric carbon. 

With all the negative aspects attached to poison ivy, is there a positive? Many ask how is this plant beneficial? I personally think this is the epitome of human arrogance. This questions alludes to the presumption that all things in the natural world are designed to benefit humans. Nature does not work that way. We are but one component in the natural world. Deer, horses, goats, and other animals all eat the leaves of poison ivy with no ill effects. Crows, songbirds and raccoons feast on the berries and honeybees partake of nectar in the spring. If you could ask them you might get a more balanced answer to the plants benefits.

While avoiding poison ivy each time we venture outside may be an impossibility, it doesn’t have to be a deterrent. If nothing else, poison ivy teaches us to be observant of our surroundings. If you find yourself in the predicament of being in the middle of the dreaded ivy vine, simply take a deep breath, wash with cool water, and wait. Maybe it won’t be so bad after all.