Earwigs are one of those creepy-looking insects that no one wants to find in their home. With their pincer-like forceps, they often look more threatening than they actually are. While they don’t bite or sting, they can be a nuisance, especially if they start invading your living space.
If you’re dealing with an earwig problem, here’s how to identify, prevent, and remove them from your home effectively.
Why Are Earwigs in Your Home?
Earwigs are attracted to moisture and dark spaces, which is why you often find them in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms. They thrive in damp areas and can easily enter through small cracks, doors, or open windows.
Common reasons you might find earwigs in your home include:
✔ High humidity levels – They love damp environments.
✔ Outdoor attraction – If your yard has mulch, leaves, or wet wood, it could be drawing them closer.
✔ Small entry points – Gaps around doors, windows, and pipes make it easy for them to sneak inside.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs
If you’ve spotted earwigs inside, don’t panic! There are several effective ways to remove them and keep them from coming back.
1. Reduce Moisture and Humidity
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets to remove water sources.
- Improve air circulation in areas prone to moisture buildup.
2. Seal Entry Points
- Inspect and seal cracks, gaps, and holes in doors, windows, and walls.
- Install door sweeps to block them from crawling in.
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to close any openings.
3. Remove Outdoor Attractions
- Clear dead leaves, mulch, and piles of wood near your home.
- Keep gutters clean to prevent excess moisture buildup.
- Move outdoor lights away from entrances, as lights attract earwigs.
4. Use DIY Traps and Natural Repellents
- Oil and Soy Sauce Trap: Fill a shallow dish with soy sauce and vegetable oil—earwigs will be lured in and drown.
- Damp Newspaper Trap: Roll up a damp newspaper and leave it overnight—earwigs will hide inside, and you can dispose of them in the morning.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Sprinkle this natural powder around entry points—it dehydrates and kills earwigs on contact.
5. Consider Chemical Solutions (As a Last Resort)
If the infestation is severe, you may need pesticides like boric acid or insecticide sprays. However, these should be used cautiously and kept away from children and pets.
Preventing Future Infestations
✔ Keep your home dry and well-ventilated.
✔ Seal all gaps and cracks where they can enter.
✔ Regularly clean yard debris and clutter.
✔ Use natural repellents like vinegar or essential oils around doors and windows.
By following these steps, you can keep earwigs out of your home and prevent them from returning. While they may look scary, a few simple changes can make sure they stay outside—where they belong!