Earwigs (Dermaptera) were introduced to North America in 1907 from Europe and can be found throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Earwigs have a lifespan of about a year, and they are mostly nocturnal insects. They live in crevices located around forests, gardens and fields. Earwigs feed on a variety of living and dead animals and plants, and when threatened can emit a foul smelling yellow liquid. An old wives' tale claims that earwigs like to burrow in ears, but this has never been a proven fact.