Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Safety Gloves
Safety Mask
Diatomaceous earth
Essential oils
Caulk
Piece of Cardboard
Old Magazine
Glue Trap

Steps on How to Get Rid of Earwigs

If you’re dealing with earwigs in your house, check out these steps to get rid of them:

The first step is to identify where the earwigs are coming from and what is attracting them to your house.
Check common areas where they are commonly found, such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens and more.
These insects are drawn to moisture, so bathrooms can be a common hiding place.
Look for cracks, gaps and other entry points where these insects may be gaining access to your home.
Basements that are dark and damp can also be a sanctuary for earwigs.
Food scraps and moisture can attract these pests, too.

Since earwigs are attracted to moist environments, reducing moisture levels in and around your home is important. Here’s how you can do it:

Fix Leaks

Repair any leaking pipes or faucets; if you notice any, address them immediately.
Even small leaks can create the perfect environment for earwigs.
For complex plumbing issues or persistent leaks, consult a licensed plumber.

Use Dehumidifiers

Place dehumidifiers in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, crawl spaces and bathrooms.
Clean the dehumidifier's filter regularly to ensure excellent performance.
Make sure the dehumidifier is appropriately sized for the room to effectively reduce humidity levels.

Improve Ventilation

Install exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to remove moisture.
Proper ventilation in your homes can help reduce humidity levels.

Earwigs can enter your home through various small openings. Sealing these entry points can prevent them from making their way inside:

Use Caulk to Seal Cracks

Use a caulk gun to caulk to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors and the foundation of your house.
Apply the caulk generously to fill the cracks and gaps completely. Smooth it out with a putty knife to ensure a seamless seal.
By sealing cracks and gaps, you create a physical barrier that prevents earwigs from entering your home.

Install Door Sweeps

Measure the width of your door and cut the door sweep to the length of the door.
Attach the door sweep to the bottom of the door using screws with the help of a screwdriver or adhesive tape, ensuring a tight fit.
Periodically check the door sweep for wear and tear and replace it if necessary.

Repair Screens

Look for holes, tears or loose mesh in your window and door screens.
Use a screen repair kit to patch small holes.
For more extensive damage, replace the entire screen.
Make sure the screen is securely attached to the frame to prevent earwigs from squeezing through.

Earwigs are scavengers and will feed on a variety of organic materials. Reducing potential food sources will make your home less attractive to them:

Clean Regularly

Kitchen and dining areas are prime targets for earwigs, especially if food is left out.
Wipe down countertops, tables, and stovetops after each use to remove food crumbs and spills.
Clean behind appliances, under cabinets and in corners to eliminate potential hiding spots.
Vacuum floors and carpets to remove crumbs and debris that might attract these insects.

Proper Food Storage

Store all food items, including grains, cereals and snacks, in airtight containers.
Refrigerate perishable foods promptly to prevent spoilage, which can attract earwigs.
Clean up spills and food debris immediately to avoid creating a feast for these insects.
By keeping your home clean and food stored securely, you eliminate potential food sources for earwigs.

Use Natural Remedies and Repellants

If you prefer to avoid chemical pesticides, there are several natural remedies you can use to get rid of earwigs in your house:

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can repel earwigs. Mix a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to entry points and problem areas.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized remains of diatoms. It’s harmless to humans and pets but deadly to earwigs. Sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home and in areas where they are commonly found.

Caution

When applying diatomaceous earth, wear a mask, gloves and eye protection to avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes.

Set Traps

You can create simple traps that can help you get rid of earwigs in the house. We have mentioned a few below:

Oil Trap

Take a small, shallow container like a jar lid or a small bowl.
Pour a thin layer of vegetable oil or fish oil into the container.
Put the trap in places where you've seen earwigs, like under the sink, behind appliances or near damp areas.
They are attracted to the oil. Once they crawl into the oil, they get stuck and drown.

Sticky Glue Trap

Put the glue trap in areas where you've seen earwigs.
To make the trap more attractive to them, put a few drops of fish oil on the sticky part of the trap.
When earwigs crawl onto the glue trap, they get stuck and can't escape.

Caution

Place the traps out of reach of pets and children.

Magazine Roll Trap

Roll up an old magazine or a piece of cardboard into a tube shape.
Put the rolled-up magazine in a place where you've seen earwigs.
Set this out and encourage them to hide in it.
Carefully shake the earwigs into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

Dealing with earwigs in your house can be a frustrating experience, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively get rid of them. With these strategies mentioned above, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any earwig infestation and enjoy a pest-free home. If you find that your earwig problem persists despite your efforts, consider consulting a pest control professional for expert assistance.

FAQ’s

1) How to get rid of earwigs?

Earwigs, while not harmful, can be a nuisance. To get rid of them, first, reduce moisture by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers. Seal entry points like cracks and gaps. Keep your home clean and store food properly. Use natural remedies like diatomaceous earth or essential oils. Set traps like glue traps, oil traps or newspaper rolls. As a last resort, use chemical treatments like insecticidal sprays or granules. By combining these methods, you can effectively eliminate earwigs from your home.

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