How to Get Rid of Earwigs: The Complete Guide to Eliminating These Pests

Earwigs are unwanted pests that often invade homes and gardens, causing frustration for homeowners and gardeners alike. While they are not dangerous to humans, their creepy appearance and potential to damage plants and flowers make them a common nuisance.

If you’re searching for how to get rid of earwigs, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective methods to eliminate them, including how to get rid of earwigs in your house fast, how to get rid of earwigs in house, and how to get rid of earwigs in the garden.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are small, brown or black insects with long, segmented bodies and pincers (forceps) on their rear end. They are nocturnal creatures that hide in damp, dark places during the day and become active at night.

Why Do You Have Earwigs in Your Home?

Earwigs enter homes for three main reasons:
✔ Moisture – They are drawn to humid environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
✔ Food Sources – Earwigs feed on crumbs, organic debris, and houseplants.
✔ Shelter – They hide in cracks, under furniture, and behind appliances.

If you want to know how to get rid of earwigs in your house fast, follow the steps below.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House Fast

If you’ve found earwigs in your home, don’t panic! Here’s how to eliminate them quickly and effectively.

1. Reduce Moisture Levels

Since earwigs love humid environments, controlling moisture is the first step in keeping them away.
✔ Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and laundry rooms.
✔ Fix leaking pipes and faucets to remove excess moisture.
✔ Improve ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Seal Entry Points

Stop earwigs from getting inside by blocking their access points.
✔ Inspect doors, windows, and walls for cracks or small openings.
✔ Seal all gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.
✔ Install door sweeps to prevent earwigs from crawling inside.

3. Use DIY Earwig Traps

Homemade traps are an effective way to catch and remove earwigs from your home.
✔ Oil and Soy Sauce Trap – Mix vegetable oil and soy sauce in a small dish. The scent attracts earwigs, and they drown in the liquid.
✔ Rolled-Up Newspaper Trap – Leave a damp newspaper roll in infested areas overnight. Dispose of it in the morning with the trapped earwigs inside.
✔ Sticky Tape Trap – Place double-sided tape near baseboards and windows to trap crawling earwigs.

4. Apply Natural Repellents

Certain natural substances deter earwigs without harming humans or pets.
???? Essential Oils – Mix peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil with water and spray it around entry points.
???? Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – Sprinkle food-grade DE in areas where earwigs hide. The fine powder dehydrates and kills them.
???? Vinegar Spray – Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray affected areas.

5. Vacuum and Dispose of Earwigs

✔ Use a vacuum cleaner to remove earwigs from carpets, furniture, and cracks.
✔ Empty the vacuum bag outside immediately to prevent reinfestation.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Garden

Earwigs can damage plants, flowers, and vegetables, making them a problem for gardeners. Follow these effective methods to eliminate them from your garden.

1. Remove Their Hiding Spots

Since earwigs love to hide in dark, damp areas, reducing these spaces will limit their population.
✔ Clear out mulch, woodpiles, and dead leaves from the garden.
✔ Trim overgrown plants and bushes to improve air circulation.
✔ Water your plants in the morning so the soil dries by evening, making it less attractive to earwigs.

2. Set Up Earwig Traps

Traps can help you catch and eliminate earwigs in the garden.
✔ Oil and Water Trap – Fill a shallow dish with vegetable oil and water and place it near plants. Earwigs crawl in and drown.
✔ Beer Trap – Bury a small cup filled with beer in the soil. The yeast attracts earwigs, trapping them inside.
✔ Damp Towel Trap – Leave a damp towel or cloth overnight. In the morning, shake trapped earwigs into a bucket of soapy water.

3. Encourage Natural Predators

Introducing natural enemies is a great way to control earwig populations.
✔ Birds – Set up bird feeders to attract birds that eat earwigs.
✔ Frogs and Toads – Create a small water feature to encourage them.
✔ Lacewings and Ladybugs – These beneficial insects help keep earwig populations under control.

4. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

✔ Sprinkle food-grade DE around your plants and garden beds.
✔ The powder dehydrates and kills earwigs without harming plants.

5. Apply Neem Oil Spray

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

Preventing Future Earwig Infestations

After eliminating earwigs, follow these preventive measures to keep them from returning.

Indoor Prevention Tips

✔ Fix leaks and control humidity – Use dehumidifiers and repair plumbing issues.
✔ Seal all cracks and gaps – Prevent new earwigs from entering.
✔ Use essential oils or DE – Natural repellents help keep earwigs away.

Outdoor Prevention Tips

✔ Keep your yard tidy – Remove debris, woodpiles, and excess mulch.
✔ Create a dry barrier – Use gravel around your home’s foundation to reduce moisture.
✔ Encourage natural predators – Birds, frogs, and beneficial insects can help control earwigs naturally.

Final Thoughts: How to Get Rid of Earwigs for Good

Earwigs may look frightening, but with the right approach, you can eliminate them quickly and prevent them from returning. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can successfully get rid of earwigs in house fast and protect your garden from damage.

With these simple and effective solutions, you’ll enjoy an earwig-free home and garden all year round!