How to Get Rid of Earwigs: Effective Solutions for a Pest-Free Home and Garden

Earwigs are a common nuisance for homeowners and gardeners. Known for their distinctive pincers, these pests can invade homes and gardens, causing damage to plants and creating an unsettling environment indoors. Fortunately, with the right methods and tools, you can get rid of earwigs and prevent them from returning.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to get rid of earwigs using various methods, including how to get rid of earwigs in your house fast, how to get rid of earwigs in the house, and how to get rid of earwigs in the garden.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are small insects, usually brown or black, characterized by their long bodies and pincers at the end of their abdomen. These nocturnal creatures typically hide during the day and become more active at night, foraging for food.

Why Are Earwigs a Problem?

While they are not harmful to humans, earwigs can cause problems, such as:
✔ Damage to Plants – They feed on flowers, fruits, vegetables, and young seedlings.
✔ Annoyance Indoors – Earwigs seek damp, dark places inside homes, such as bathrooms and basements.
✔ Rapid Reproduction – Earwigs can multiply quickly if left unchecked, causing a larger infestation.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House Fast

If you’ve found earwigs indoors, follow these quick and effective methods to get rid of them fast.

1. Remove Moisture

Earwigs love damp conditions, so the first step is to reduce the moisture levels in your home.
✔ Fix leaks around the house, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
✔ Use a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces to reduce humidity.
✔ Ventilate rooms properly to dry out any damp areas.

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Earwigs can enter through the smallest cracks and gaps. To prevent this:
✔ Inspect windows, doors, and walls for any gaps or cracks.
✔ Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal entry points.
✔ Install door sweeps to block earwigs from crawling under doors.

3. Set Traps

You can trap earwigs effectively with homemade traps.
✔ Oil Trap – Mix vegetable oil and soy sauce in a shallow dish. The scent attracts earwigs, and they drown in the liquid.
✔ Newspaper Trap – Roll up a damp newspaper and leave it in places where earwigs are active. In the morning, shake out the earwigs into a trash bag.
✔ Sticky Tape – Place double-sided sticky tape along baseboards or windowsills to catch earwigs.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Certain substances can repel earwigs without using harmful chemicals.
???? Essential Oils – Mix peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil with water and spray it around your home.
???? Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – Sprinkle food-grade DE around baseboards, windowsills, and cracks. The fine powder is lethal to earwigs but safe for pets and humans.
???? Vinegar Spray – Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray affected areas to deter earwigs.

5. Vacuum and Clean Regularly

✔ Use a vacuum cleaner to remove earwigs from floors, carpets, and furniture.
✔ Dispose of the vacuum bag outside to prevent reinfestation.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Garden

Earwigs can also be a significant problem in your garden, as they feed on young plants and seedlings. Here’s how to get rid of earwigs in the garden without harming your plants.

1. Remove Hiding Places

Earwigs like to hide in dark, damp places. By reducing these hiding spots, you can minimize their presence in your garden.
✔ Clear away dead leaves, mulch, and woodpiles from garden beds.
✔ Trim overgrown plants to allow air circulation.
✔ Water plants early in the day so the soil dries out by night.

2. Set Traps

You can use effective traps to catch earwigs in your garden.
✔ Beer Trap – Place a shallow container filled with beer in the soil. The earwigs are attracted to the yeast and drown in the liquid.
✔ Oil Trap – Mix vegetable oil and water in a container and place it near your plants. Earwigs will crawl in and get trapped.
✔ Damp Towel Trap – Lay a damp towel or cloth on the ground overnight. Shake it out in the morning, and dispose of the earwigs in soapy water.

3. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous Earth is an effective, natural method for eliminating earwigs.
✔ Sprinkle food-grade DE around your plants.
✔ The fine powder dries out the earwigs and kills them without harming your plants.

4. Encourage Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators is an eco-friendly way to control earwig populations.
✔ Birds – Attract birds to your garden by setting up bird feeders.
✔ Frogs and Toads – A small water feature will encourage these predators to stay and eat earwigs.
✔ Ladybugs – These insects feed on earwigs and other pests in your garden.

5. Neem Oil Spray

✔ Mix neem oil with water and spray it on your plants to disrupt earwig feeding and reproduction.
✔ Reapply every few days for effective results.

Preventing Future Earwig Infestations

Once you’ve gotten rid of earwigs, follow these preventive measures to ensure they don’t come back.

Indoor Prevention Tips

✔ Fix leaks and control humidity – Use dehumidifiers and repair plumbing issues.
✔ Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors.
✔ Apply natural repellents – Use essential oils, DE, or vinegar sprays.

Outdoor Prevention Tips

✔ Keep your garden tidy – Remove debris, woodpiles, and excess mulch.
✔ Create a dry barrier – Use gravel or dry soil around your home’s foundation to discourage earwigs.
✔ Encourage natural predators – Birds, frogs, and beneficial insects can help keep earwigs under control.

Final Thoughts: How to Get Rid of Earwigs for Good

Earwigs may seem like an annoying pest, but by taking the right steps, you can eliminate them quickly and prevent them from returning. With a combination of traps, natural repellents, and prevention measures, you can enjoy a pest-free home and garden.

By following the tips outlined in this post, you can easily learn how to get rid of earwigs and keep your living spaces free from these unwanted pests.