How To Get Rid Of Earwigs: 27 Quick Fixes You Can’t Miss!
How to get rid of earwigs doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
These pesky insects might be annoying, but with a few simple, natural tricks, you can kick them out for good.
No need for harsh chemicals or calling the pros, just easy, effective methods that work.
Ready to take back your space and say goodbye to earwigs? Let’s get started!
what are earwigs?
Earwigs are small, nocturnal insects known for their distinctive pincers (called cerci) at the end of their abdomens.
Contrary to the myth, they don’t crawl into human ears, but they do love dark, damp spaces.
They’re mostly harmless to humans but can be a nuisance when they invade your home or garden.
are earwigs dangerous?
No, earwigs are not dangerous to humans!
They don’t carry diseases, and their pincers are primarily used for defense or mating.
However, they can damage plants, seedlings, and flowers, making them a pest for gardeners.
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How to find earwigs in your home?
Earwigs are sneaky creatures that hide in dark, moist areas. Here’s where to look:
- Under sinks and in bathrooms: They love damp environments.
- Basements and crawl spaces: Dark and undisturbed areas are their favorites.
- Potted plants: They often hide in the soil or under pots.
- Mailboxes: Especially if they’re near vegetation or moisture.
how to get rid of earwigs naturally
Here is how to get rid of earwigs naturally:
1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a game-changer when it comes to natural pest control.
This fine, food-grade powder works by dehydrating earwigs on contact, making it a safe yet deadly solution for these pests.
Simply sprinkle it around entry points, baseboards, and garden beds.
The best part? It’s completely safe for humans and pets.
2. Soap and Water Trap
This simple yet effective trap is a must-try for anyone dealing with earwigs.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a shallow container and place it near earwig hotspots.
The soap breaks the water’s surface tension, causing earwigs to drown when they fall in.
It’s an inexpensive, chemical-free way to reduce their numbers quickly.
3. Essential Oils to get rid of earwigs
Harness the power of nature with essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or citrus.
Earwigs can’t stand these strong scents, making them a fantastic natural repellent.
Mix 10-15 drops of your chosen oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where earwigs are active.
Not only will your home smell amazing, but you’ll also keep earwigs at bay.
4. Newspaper Trap
Earwigs love dark, damp hiding spots, and a rolled-up damp newspaper is the perfect lure.
Place it near infested areas overnight, and by morning, you’ll find it filled with earwigs seeking shelter.
Please dispose of the newspaper or shake it out outdoors to remove it from your home.
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how to get rid of earwigs in your house fast
When earwigs invade your home, you need quick, effective solutions. These methods will help you eliminate them in no time.
5. Vacuum Them Up
Grab your vacuum cleaner and suck up any earwigs you see.
This is one of the fastest ways to remove them from your home.
Just be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately to prevent them from crawling back out.
It’s a quick, no-fuss method that delivers instant results.
6. Seal Entry Points to get rid of earwigs
Prevention is key when it comes to earwigs!
Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes, especially around windows, doors, and foundations.
Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping to stop earwigs from sneaking in.
By cutting off their access, you’ll keep your home earwig-free for good.
7. Reduce Moisture
Earwigs thrive in damp environments, so reducing moisture is a powerful way to deter them.
Fix leaky pipes, use a dehumidifier in basements, and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms.
A dry home is an uninviting home for earwigs, and these steps will make a noticeable difference.
8. Store-Bought Traps
For a quick fix, invest in sticky traps or insect traps designed for earwigs.
Place them in corners, under sinks, and near doors to catch earwigs on the move.
These traps are highly effective and require minimal effort, making them a great option for busy homeowners.
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how to get rid of earwigs in the garden
How to get rid of earwigs in the garden:
9. Remove Debris to get rid of earwigs
Earwigs love hiding in leaf litter, mulch, and decaying plant matter.
By clearing away this debris, you’ll eliminate their favorite hiding spots and make your garden less appealing to them.
A clean garden is a pest-free garden!
10. Use Beneficial Insects
Nature has its own pest control system. Introduce beneficial insects like birds, toads, or nematodes to your garden.
These natural predators will help keep the earwig population in check, giving you a balanced ecosystem.
11. Beer Traps to get rid of earwigs
Earwigs are surprisingly attracted to beer!
Bury a small container filled with beer in the soil, and they’ll crawl in and drown.
It’s a simple, cost-effective way to reduce their numbers without harming your plants.
12. Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a natural insect repellent that’s safe for plants and pets.
Mix it with water and spray it on your plants to keep earwigs away.
Not only will it protect your garden, but it’ll also promote healthier plant growth.
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how to get rid of earwigs in bathroom
Bathrooms are a hotspot for earwigs due to the moisture. Here’s how to get rid of earwigs in bathroom:
13. Fix Leaks to get away earwigs
Leaky faucets and pipes create the perfect environment for earwigs.
Repair any leaks to eliminate their water source and make your bathroom less inviting.
14. Use a Dehumidifier
Reduce humidity levels in your bathroom with a dehumidifier.
A dry bathroom is a no-go zone for earwigs, and this simple step will keep them at bay.
15. Clean Drains to get rid of earwigs in bathroom
Earwigs can hide in drains, so pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down them to clean and deter pests.
It’s a natural, chemical-free way to keep your drains earwig-free.
16. Seal Cracks to get rid of earwigs
Inspect your bathroom for cracks around sinks, tubs, and baseboards.
Seal them with caulk to prevent earwigs from sneaking in. A little effort now will save you from bigger problems later.
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how to get rid of earwigs in your house with pets
When you have pets, safety is a top priority. These pet-friendly methods will help you eliminate earwigs without risking your furry friends’ health.
17. Food-grade diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle food-grade DE in areas where your pets don’t frequent.
It’s non-toxic but highly effective against earwigs, making it a safe and reliable solution.
18. Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to earwig-prone areas.
Vinegar is safe for pets but repels earwigs, giving you a natural way to keep them away.
19. Keep Pet Food Sealed
Earwigs are attracted to pet food, so store it in airtight containers.
This simple step will prevent earwigs from being drawn to your home in the first place.
20. Regular Cleaning
Vacuum and clean regularly to remove earwigs and their eggs.
A clean home is less appealing to pests, and this habit will keep your space earwig-free without harsh chemicals.
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how to get rid of earwigs in mailbox
Here is how to get rid of earwigs in mailbox:
21. Use Chalk Lines
Earwigs avoid crossing chalk lines because the calcium carbonate disrupts their movement.
Draw a line of chalk around the base of your mailbox or inside the door.
It’s a simple, chemical-free way to keep them out.
22. Install a Copper Barrier
Copper tape or mesh is a unique deterrent for earwigs.
Wrap copper tape around the base of your mailbox or place a small piece of copper mesh inside.
The mild electric charge it creates when in contact with moisture repels earwigs effectively.
23. Hang a Dryer Sheet
Place a scented dryer sheet inside your mailbox.
The strong fragrance acts as a natural repellent, and the texture can deter earwigs from settling in.
Replace the sheet every few weeks to keep the scent strong.
24. Use a Solar-Powered Light
Earwigs are attracted to dark, damp spaces, so install a small solar-powered light near your mailbox.
This can make the area less appealing and disrupt the earwig’s desired environment.
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how to get rid of earwigs in potted plants
Here is how to get rid of earwigs in potted plants:
25. Use Crushed Eggshells
Crushed eggshells are a natural deterrent that earwigs hate.
Sprinkle the crushed shells around the base of your potted plants.
Not only will this create a rough barrier that earwigs avoid, but it also adds calcium to the soil, benefiting your plants.
26. Create a Citrus Peel Barrier
Earwigs are repelled by the strong scent of citrus.
Place dried orange or lemon peels around the rim of your pots or mix small pieces into the soil.
This natural repellent is safe for your plants and adds a fresh, pleasant aroma to your garden.
27. Introduce Predatory Insects
Consider adding rove beetles or parasitic wasps to your garden.
These beneficial insects are natural predators of earwigs and will help keep their population in check.
You can purchase them online or from a local garden center.
28. Use a Garlic Spray
Garlic is a powerful natural repellent for many pests, including earwigs.
Blend a few garlic cloves with water, strain the mixture, and spray it on the soil and leaves of your potted plants.
Reapply after rain to maintain its effectiveness.
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Conclusion
Don’t let earwigs take over your home, garden, or mailbox!
With these unique, natural, and effective solutions, you can reclaim your space without harsh chemicals or stress.
Whether it’s crushed eggshells, copper barriers, or citrus peels, these methods are safe, easy, and proven to work.
Take action today and enjoy a pest-free environment tomorrow, you’ve got this!
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