How to Get Rid of Earwigs: The Ultimate Guide to a Pest-Free Home and Garden

Earwigs are creepy-looking insects that can be a major nuisance when they invade your home or garden. While they are harmless to humans, they can damage plants and create an unpleasant infestation. If you’ve noticed earwigs lurking in dark corners, it’s time to take action!

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to get rid of earwigs using safe, effective, and natural methods. We’ll also cover 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 bodies and pincers (forceps) on their back end. They are nocturnal creatures that hide in dark, damp areas during the day and come out at night to feed on plants, decaying matter, and other insects.

Why Do You Have Earwigs in Your Home?

Earwigs enter homes for three main reasons:
✔ Moisture – They love humid environments like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
✔ Food Sources – They eat crumbs, organic debris, and even houseplants.
✔ Shelter – Earwigs 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 spotted earwigs inside your home, don’t worry! Here’s how to eliminate them quickly and effectively.

1. Reduce Moisture in Your Home

Since earwigs love humid environments, controlling moisture is the first step in preventing them.
✔ Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.
✔ Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets.
✔ Improve ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Seal Entry Points

Stop earwigs from getting inside by blocking their entryways.
✔ Check doors, windows, and walls for cracks or holes.
✔ Seal gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.
✔ Install door sweeps to prevent earwigs from crawling under doors.

3. Use DIY Earwig Traps

Homemade traps can catch and remove earwigs fast.
✔ Oil and Soy Sauce Trap – Mix vegetable oil and soy sauce in a small dish. The smell attracts earwigs, and they drown in the liquid.
✔ Rolled-Up Newspaper Trap – Leave a damp newspaper in infested areas overnight. In the morning, dispose of it with trapped earwigs inside.
✔ Sticky Tape Trap – Place double-sided tape along baseboards and entry points to trap crawling earwigs.

4. Apply Natural Repellents

Certain substances deter earwigs naturally 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 along baseboards and in dark corners to kill earwigs.
???? 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 floors and furniture.
✔ Empty the vacuum bag outside to prevent reinfestation.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Garden

Earwigs can damage plants, flowers, and vegetables, making them an unwanted pest in the garden. Here’s how to eliminate them naturally.

1. Remove Their Hiding Spots

Since earwigs love to hide in dark, moist areas, reducing these spaces will limit their numbers.
✔ 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 Traps

Use traps to catch and kill earwigs in your 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 near plants overnight. In the morning, shake trapped earwigs into a bucket of soapy water.

3. Introduce Natural Predators

Encouraging natural enemies helps control earwig populations.
✔ Birds – Set up bird feeders to attract birds that eat earwigs.
✔ Frogs and Toads – Create a small water feature to attract them.
✔ Lacewings and Ladybugs – These 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 maximum effectiveness.

How to Prevent Earwig Infestations

After eliminating earwigs, take these steps to prevent future infestations.

Indoor Prevention Tips

✔ Fix leaks and control humidity – Use dehumidifiers and seal moisture sources.
✔ 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 intimidating, 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!