How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Home
Do you see lots of earwigs around your house? If so, you should try to get rid of them as soon as possible. They’ll ruin your nice furniture and could even bite you, causing pain and swelling.
Doing so could take a lot of time and effort. That’s why you need to call a bug exterminator. But, if you’d like to learn how to get rid of earwigs for yourself, you can start by reading this article.
That’s our guide on how to get rid of earwigs in the home. Keep reading for more information!
Know First What Are Earwigs and What They Look Like
You are here to learn how to get rid of earwigs. But do you know what they are? If not, so then let’s start by making sure you are spotting them right.
Species of earwigs are one of those pests that, once you know what they are, you start to see everywhere. And once you know what they look like, you can’t unsee them. They are small, dark brown to black insects with a distinctive pair of pincers on their rear end.
They are fairly harmless to humans but can be a nuisance in the garden or the home. If you have earwigs in your garden, they are likely feeding on your plants. If you have earwigs in your home, they are likely feeding on your food.
Address Moisture in Your Home
Earwigs are attracted to moisture, and your home is a perfect place for them to find it. If you want to get rid of earwigs, you need to address these sources of moisture.
Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common sources of moisture in your home. If you have any leaks, make sure to repair them as soon as possible. Even small leaks can be enough to attract earwigs.
Condensation
Condensation can also be a problem. If you have any areas in your home that are particularly prone to condensation, make sure to ventilate them properly. You may also want to consider using a dehumidifier in these areas.
Humidity
High humidity can also be attractive to earwigs. If your home is particularly humid, you may want to use a humidifier to help reduce the moisture in the air.
Remove Sources of Food and Harborage
Earwigs are mostly found outdoors but they can make their way into your home in search of food or shelter. To get rid of earwigs in your home, you need to remove sources of food and harborage.
Outdoors
Outside, earwigs will often eat insects, decaying plants, and other organic matter. Food and harborage sources can include things like mulch, leaves, grass, debris, and other organic materials. If these items are removed, earwigs will have nowhere to hide and will eventually starve to death.
Indoors
If you have earwigs in your home, they may be feeding on your houseplants or pantry items. Inspect these areas for signs of earwig activity and remove any infested food items. You should also declutter your home and get rid of any cardboard boxes or newspaper piles that earwigs might use for shelter.
Do Some Sealing on Your Doors and Windows
To get rid of earwigs in the home, you’ll need to do some sealing on your doors and windows. There are various ways you can do this.
Caulking to Avoid Earwigs
If you want to avoid earwigs, you should caulk any cracks or crevices in your home that they could use to enter. Look for cracks in door and window frames, baseboards, and pipes. Fill these cracks with caulk or another sealant to keep earwigs out.
Weatherstripping
You should also check for gaps in your weatherstripping and repair or replace it if necessary. By sealing up potential entry points, you can help keep earwigs out of your home. You can find these items at your local hardware store.
Keep Your Fruit Trees Protected
To get rid of earwigs in your home, keep your fruit trees protected. You can use the following:
Diatomaceous Earth
This substance is made from the fossilized remains of marine algae. It works by puncturing the exoskeletons of earwigs, causing them to dehydrate and die. Apply it around the base of your fruit trees, as well as any cracks or crevices where earwigs may be hiding.
Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap is a solution made from soap and water. When earwigs come into contact with it, they will be suffocated. Insecticidal soap is safe to use around children and pets and spray it on earwigs and their hiding spots.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an acidic substance that can kill earwigs. Create a solution of equal parts vinegar and water and spray it on earwigs and their hiding spots.
Hot Water
This method is best used for small infestations. Fill a bucket with hot water and pour it over earwigs. This will kill them instantly.
Invest and Setup Traps
One thing that you can do is to invest in some traps and set them up around your home. You can use a variety of different things for your traps, such as newspapers, cardboard, or even plastic wrap. Be sure to check your traps regularly and dispose of the earwigs that you catch.
Hire a Pest Control Service
If you have earwigs in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to hire pest control services. Pest control companies have several effective methods for getting rid of earwigs, including traps and insecticides.
If you choose to use an insecticide, be sure to follow the directions carefully to avoid harming yourself or your family. If you are having this kind of issue at home and you are in a rush to get the help of experts, you might want to contact this pest control near me.
Make Sure to Get Rid of Earwigs Right Away
Earwigs can be a real menace in the garden, but with a few simple steps, you can get rid of them for good. Be sure to remove any potential hiding spots, like rocks or Mulch, and keep your garden free of debris.
You can also try traps baited with earwigs’ favorite foods, like molasses or yeast. Whatever method you choose, make sure to get rid of earwigs right away to keep your garden healthy and earwig-free!
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- About the Author

Alex Grigoryan is a Professional Home Improvement and Lifestyle Writer. He has been in the industry for over 6 years and has been writing for Chique Home Living since 2019. His work has been featured in prestigious blogs such as Spruce Home, Better Homes & Garden, and more.