How to Get Rid of Earwigs: The Ultimate Guide to Eliminating These Nuisance Pests

Earwigs are a common but unwelcome presence in many homes and gardens. These small insects, with their distinctive pincers, tend to hide in dark, damp areas during the day and come out at night to feed. While they aren’t dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance, especially when they invade your house or damage your plants.

If you’re asking, “How to get rid of earwigs?” then this guide is for you. We’ll cover how to get rid of earwigs in your house fast, how to get rid of earwigs in house, and how to get rid of earwigs in the garden. Read on to discover the best strategies for tackling earwigs and ensuring they don’t come back.

Understanding Earwigs: What Are They?

Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are small, brown or black insects known for their pincers (forceps), which they use primarily for defense. Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer to stay in moist, dark environments. These pests feed on a variety of materials, including decaying organic matter, plants, and even small insects.

Why Do You Have Earwigs in Your House?

Earwigs usually invade homes for these reasons:
✔ Moisture – They seek out damp environments, especially in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
✔ Food Sources – Earwigs feed on organic material found in food scraps, plants, and debris.
✔ Shelter – They often hide in dark crevices, under furniture, and behind appliances.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of earwigs in house and stop these pests from invading your space, read on for effective solutions.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House Fast

When you discover earwigs inside your home, you’ll want to act quickly. Here’s how to get rid of earwigs in your house fast and restore peace to your living space.

1. Control the Moisture Levels

Earwigs are drawn to damp environments, so reducing moisture is crucial to getting rid of them.
✔ Use a dehumidifier in damp areas such as basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.
✔ Fix any leaking pipes or faucets to remove moisture sources.
✔ Improve ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

2. Seal Entry Points

Earwigs can enter your home through small cracks and openings. Prevent them from coming in by sealing potential entry points:
✔ Inspect doors and windows for gaps and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
✔ Install door sweeps to block earwigs from crawling under doors.
✔ Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and around windows.

3. Use Traps to Catch Earwigs

Setting traps is a simple and effective way to catch and eliminate earwigs.
✔ Oil Trap – Pour vegetable oil into a shallow dish and add a little soy sauce. The scent attracts earwigs, and they drown in the liquid.
✔ Newspaper Trap – Roll up a damp newspaper and place it where earwigs are likely to hide. In the morning, shake out the earwigs into a trash bag.
✔ Sticky Tape Trap – Place double-sided tape along baseboards or windowsills. Earwigs will get stuck as they crawl across the surface.

4. Natural Remedies to Repel Earwigs

Using natural repellents is an eco-friendly way to keep earwigs at bay.
???? Essential Oils – Mix peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or tea tree oil with water and spray it around your home.
???? Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – Sprinkle food-grade DE around cracks and entry points. The powder is deadly to earwigs but safe for humans and pets.
???? Vinegar Spray – Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where earwigs are found.

5. Clean and Vacuum Regularly

Earwigs are often found in dusty and cluttered areas, so keep your home clean to discourage them.
✔ Vacuum regularly to remove any earwigs hiding in carpets, rugs, and furniture.
✔ Dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately to prevent reinfestation.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Garden

Earwigs can cause damage to your garden, feeding on tender plants, flowers, and vegetables. To get rid of earwigs in the garden, follow these steps:

1. Eliminate Hiding Spots

Earwigs love to hide in dark, moist areas. By reducing these hiding spots, you can reduce their population.
✔ Remove mulch, woodpiles, and decaying leaves from garden beds.
✔ Trim overgrown bushes to allow better airflow and sunlight.
✔ Water your plants early in the day to ensure the soil dries out before evening.

2. Set Up Traps in the Garden

Trapping earwigs in the garden is a highly effective way to control their numbers.
✔ Beer Trap – Bury a small container in the soil and fill it with beer. Earwigs are attracted to the yeast and drown in the liquid.
✔ Oil Trap – Place a shallow container of vegetable oil near plants. The earwigs will crawl in and get trapped.
✔ Damp Towel Trap – Lay a damp towel on the ground overnight. In the morning, shake it out into a trash bag with the earwigs inside.

3. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous Earth is a natural way to eliminate earwigs from your garden.
✔ Sprinkle food-grade DE around your plants and garden beds.
✔ The powder dries out the earwigs and kills them without harming your plants.

4. Encourage Natural Predators

Introduce beneficial predators that will naturally help reduce the earwig population.
✔ Birds – Attract birds to your garden by setting up bird feeders.
✔ Frogs and Toads – A small pond will encourage frogs and toads to stay and feed on earwigs.
✔ Ladybugs – These insects help keep earwig numbers in check.

Preventing Future Earwig Infestations

Once you’ve gotten rid of earwigs, it’s essential to prevent them from returning.

Indoor Prevention

✔ Fix leaks and control moisture – Use dehumidifiers, fix plumbing issues, and improve ventilation.
✔ Seal entry points – Check doors, windows, and cracks around the house for gaps.
✔ Use natural repellents – Continue using essential oils or diatomaceous earth to repel earwigs.

Outdoor Prevention

✔ Keep your garden tidy – Remove debris, woodpiles, and excess mulch.
✔ Use dry barriers – Create a dry zone around the foundation of your home using gravel or sand.
✔ Encourage natural predators – Create a welcoming environment for birds, frogs, and ladybugs.

Conclusion: How to Get Rid of Earwigs for Good

Earwigs may seem like an intimidating pest, but with the right strategies, you can get rid of them quickly and prevent them from returning. By removing moisture, sealing entry points, and using natural remedies, you can protect your home and garden from earwigs.

With these methods, you’ll be able to enjoy a pest-free home and garden, knowing that you’ve taken care of the earwig problem for good.