Discover What Earwigs Hate to Keep Them Away

Earwigs are small insects that are often found in gardens and damp areas around the home. They are known for their pincers, which they use for defense and to catch prey. While earwigs do not pose any significant threat to humans, they can be a nuisance when they infest homes or gardens. The good news is that there are several things that earwigs hate, and incorporating these into your pest control strategy can help keep them away.

What Are Earwigs?

Before we dive into what earwigs hate, it’s essential to understand what these insects are. Earwigs are elongated insects that have two pairs of wings and a pair of pincers at the rear end of their bodies. They have a flat body shape and range in size from 5-25mm in length. Earwigs feed on plants, insects, and decaying matter and prefer damp environments.

What Do Earwigs Hate?

Light

Earwigs are nocturnal insects, which means they are active at night and prefer dark environments. They dislike bright lights and will avoid areas with direct sunlight or bright artificial light sources. This makes outdoor lighting an effective way to deter earwigs from entering your home.

Dry Environments

As mentioned earlier, earwigs prefer damp environments. They thrive in moist soil, piles of leaves, or decaying matter. Keeping your home and garden dry can help deter earwigs from infesting these areas. Use dehumidifiers indoors and ensure proper drainage outdoors to maintain a dry environment.

Essential Oils

Several essential oils have insecticidal properties that can repel pests like earwigs. Peppermint oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil are effective in keeping earwigs away. You can mix a few drops of these oils with water and spray the solution around your home and garden to deter earwigs.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized algae that has insecticidal properties. It works by dehydrating insects and disrupting their exoskeletons, causing them to die. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your home and garden can help keep earwigs away.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood is a natural insect repellent that can help keep earwigs away. You can use cedarwood chips or oil to create a barrier around your home and garden. The scent of cedarwood is intolerable to earwigs, making it an effective deterrent.

How to Keep Earwigs Away

Now that you know what earwigs hate, you can take steps to keep them away from your home and garden. Here are some tips to help:

• Keep your home and garden dry
• Use outdoor lighting to deter earwigs
• Use essential oils or diatomaceous earth around your home and garden
• Use cedarwood chips or oil as a natural repellent
• Remove piles of leaves or decaying matter from your yard
• Keep your gutters clean to prevent moisture buildup

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Earwigs Dangerous?

Earwigs do not pose any significant threat to humans. They are not poisonous or venomous and do not transmit diseases.

How Do I Know If I Have an Earwig Infestation?

Earwigs are nocturnal, so they are not often seen during the day. Look for signs of damage to plants or foliage, as this may indicate an infestation. You may also notice earwigs in damp areas around your home, such as basements or crawl spaces.

What Should I Do If I Have an Earwig Infestation?

If you have an earwig infestation, you can take steps to control it. Use the tips mentioned above to keep earwigs away from your home and garden. You can also use insecticides or hire a pest control professional to help eliminate the infestation.

Can I Get Rid of Earwigs Naturally?

Yes, there are several natural remedies for controlling earwigs. Essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and cedarwood are all effective in repelling earwigs. Additionally, keeping your home and garden dry can help deter earwigs from infesting these areas.