How to Get Rid of Earwigs: Effective Solutions for Your Home and Garden

Travel Mar 7, 2025 14 Add to Reading List

Earwigs, with their distinctive pincers, can be quite an unpleasant sight in your home or garden. They tend to invade areas that are moist and dark, making it essential to know how to get rid of earwigs effectively. If you’ve been struggling with these pests, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll share practical solutions for how to get rid of earwigs in your house and garden, as well as methods to prevent future infestations.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House

If you’ve spotted earwigs crawling around in your home, it’s important to act quickly to avoid a full-blown infestation. Here's how to get rid of earwigs in your house:

1. Seal Entry Points

The first step to how to get rid of earwigs in house is to ensure that they can't enter in the first place. Check for gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation. Seal any openings with weather stripping or caulk. This will reduce the chances of earwigs making their way inside.

2. Remove Moisture

Earwigs are attracted to moisture, so one of the best ways to get rid of earwigs is to eliminate any damp areas. Check your home for plumbing leaks or areas with standing water, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Consider using a dehumidifier to help control humidity levels, especially in basements or areas prone to dampness.

3. Set Traps for Fast Results

If you’re wondering how to get rid of earwigs in your house fast, setting traps is a quick and easy solution. Roll up a damp newspaper and place it in areas where earwigs are active. Earwigs will crawl inside to hide, and in the morning, you can dispose of them. Alternatively, you can place shallow containers filled with beer or vegetable oil near known earwig hideouts. The earwigs will be attracted to the liquid and become trapped.

4. Natural Repellents

Essential oils can also be effective in repelling earwigs. For a natural approach to how to get rid of earwigs, mix a few drops of peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture around windows, doors, and other entry points. The strong scent will deter earwigs from entering your home.

5. Use Pesticides if Necessary

If the infestation persists, you may need to resort to chemical pesticides. Look for products designed specifically for earwigs, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Always apply pesticides in areas where earwigs are most active, such as cracks, crevices, and corners.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Garden

Earwigs can also cause problems in your garden, as they feed on plants and flowers. If you’re dealing with earwigs outdoors, here’s how to get rid of earwigs in the garden:

1. Clear Garden Debris

Earwigs love hiding in damp, dark places. To get rid of earwigs in the garden, start by removing fallen leaves, grass clippings, and any other debris. This eliminates potential hiding spots and makes your garden less attractive to these pests.

2. Set Traps in the Garden

Traps are just as effective in the garden as they are indoors. Roll up damp newspapers or place cardboard tubes in various spots throughout your garden. Earwigs will crawl inside to hide, and you can discard them in the morning. Another option is to place shallow containers filled with beer or vegetable oil in the garden. The earwigs will be attracted to the smell and fall into the liquid, where they will drown.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that can help you get rid of earwigs in the garden. It works by dehydrating the earwigs when they come in contact with it. Simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of plants, garden paths, or any areas where you’ve seen earwigs. It’s safe for pets and beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly gardening.

4. Encourage Natural Predators

Earwigs have natural predators, including birds, frogs, and other beneficial insects. By encouraging these predators in your garden, you can help keep earwig populations under control. Install birdhouses, provide water for frogs, and avoid using harmful chemicals that might kill off other helpful creatures.

5. Use Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic worms that attack earwig larvae in the soil. Applying nematodes to your garden is an effective and eco-friendly way to prevent earwig infestations. They’ll target the larvae and stop them from developing into adult earwigs, ultimately reducing the number of pests in your garden.

6. Pesticides for Severe Infestations

If you’re dealing with a large-scale infestation, chemical pesticides may be necessary. Look for a pesticide that specifically targets earwigs and follow the instructions closely. Be sure to apply it in the evening when other beneficial insects are less active.

Preventing Future Earwig Infestations

After successfully eliminating earwigs, it’s important to take preventative steps to ensure they don’t return. Here’s what you can do:

Seal Cracks and Gaps Go over your home regularly to check for cracks or gaps where earwigs can enter. Sealing these areas will keep future infestations at bay.
Maintain Dry Conditions Earwigs thrive in moist environments, so keeping your home and garden dry is key. Fix any leaks in your plumbing, and use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity, such as basements.
Keep Your Garden Clean In your garden, regularly remove fallen leaves, mulch, and other debris where earwigs could hide. Keeping your garden clean and tidy will make it less appealing to these pests.
Monitor and Act Quickly Regularly inspect your home and garden for signs of earwigs. Early detection allows you to address the problem before it becomes a larger issue.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to get rid of earwigs, you can protect both your home and garden from these troublesome pests. Whether you're dealing with earwigs indoors or outdoors, the solutions outlined in this article are effective and easy to implement. By sealing entry points, reducing moisture, using traps, and applying natural remedies, you can successfully eliminate earwigs and prevent them from coming back. Stay vigilant, and enjoy a pest-free home and garden!