How to Eliminate Earwigs from Your Home

Earwigs are small, brown insects that have a distinctive pair of pincers at the end of their bodies. They can be found in gardens and homes, and while they don’t pose any serious health risks, they can be a nuisance. Earwigs are especially active at night and can crawl into your bed or onto your food, making them unwelcome house guests. If you’re wondering how to eliminate earwigs from your home, here are some tips to help you get rid of them.

Identify the Source

The first step to eliminating earwigs from your home is to identify where they’re coming from. Look for cracks in walls or gaps in doors and windows that could be allowing earwigs to enter your home. Make sure that all of your screens are intact and that there are no holes in them. Additionally, check for any areas where moisture might be collecting, such as leaky pipes or damp basements. Earwigs thrive in damp conditions, so removing sources of moisture is an important step in eliminating them.

Set Traps

One effective way to eliminate earwigs is to set traps around your home. You can use rolled up newspaper or cardboard tubes filled with oatmeal or bran as bait. Place the traps near areas where you’ve seen earwigs, such as near plants or in dark corners of your home. Leave the traps overnight and check them in the morning. The earwigs will crawl into the traps and can then be disposed of.

Use Natural Repellents

There are several natural repellents that you can use to keep earwigs away from your home. Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny marine organisms. It’s harmless to humans and animals but is deadly to insects like earwigs. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home or in areas where earwigs are likely to enter. You can also use essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or citrus to repel earwigs. Simply dilute the essential oil with water and spray it in areas where you’ve seen earwigs.

Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all of these methods and still can’t eliminate earwigs from your home, it might be time to call a professional pest control service. A professional can identify the source of the infestation and use targeted treatments to eliminate the earwigs. They can also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.

Eliminating earwigs from your home can be a frustrating process, but with these tips, you can get rid of them for good.

FAQ

What are earwigs attracted to?

Earwigs are attracted to damp conditions and areas with lots of vegetation. They’re also attracted to light, so keeping outdoor lights turned off at night can help prevent them from entering your home.

Are earwigs harmful?

While earwigs don’t pose any serious health risks, they can be a nuisance. They have pincers at the end of their bodies that they use for defense, but they rarely bite humans.

Can I use pesticides to eliminate earwigs?

Yes, there are several insecticides that are effective at eliminating earwigs. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to keep pets and children away from treated areas.