Your Action Plan for Earwig Removal
If you see earwigs in or around your home, identify what’s attracting them and locate their entry points to stop an infestation.
Identify Problem Areas
The first step is to identify where the earwigs are coming from and what is attracting them to your house. Start by inspecting the areas where these pests are most likely to hide.
Check common spots such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Earwigs are drawn to moisture, which makes bathrooms a frequent hiding place. Look closely for cracks, gaps, and other entry points that could allow them inside.
Basements can also be a sanctuary for earwigs. Their dark, damp environment provides the perfect conditions for these insects to thrive. In addition, food scraps and excess moisture in kitchens or other areas can attract earwigs and encourage them to stick around.
Eliminate Moisture
Eliminating water problems is one of the most effective ways to prevent earwig infestations. Start by checking under kitchen and bathroom sinks, around toilets, and near your water heater. Repair any leaking pipes or faucets you find. Even small drips can create the damp conditions earwigs love.
Use a dehumidifier in basements to remove excess moisture and improve airflow in humid spaces like bathrooms and crawl spaces. Make sure bathroom fans are working properly and run them during showers and baths. Good ventilation throughout your home keeps humidity levels low and discourages pests.
Outside, inspect gutters and downspouts for clogs and ensure they drain water away from your home. Blocked gutters can lead to moisture buildup and create ideal breeding spots for earwigs and other pests. The drier you keep your home and yard, the less inviting it becomes to earwigs.
Seal Entry Points to Keep Earwigs Out
Earwigs often sneak into homes through tiny cracks and gaps. Sealing these openings is one of the most effective ways to stop them from getting inside.
• Use Caulk to Seal Cracks
Inspect areas around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation for gaps. Use a caulk gun to fill these cracks completely, then smooth the caulk with a putty knife for a tight, seamless seal. This creates a physical barrier that keeps earwigs out.
• Install Door Sweeps
Measure your door’s width and cut a door sweep to fit. Attach it to the bottom of the door using screws or strong adhesive tape, ensuring a snug fit. Check the sweep regularly for wear and replace it when needed.
• Repair or Replace Screens
Examine window screens and door screens for holes, tears, or loose mesh. Patch small holes with a screen repair kit or replace damaged screens entirely. Make sure screens are securely attached to frames so earwigs can’t squeeze through.
Eliminate Outdoor Earwig Hiding Spots
Earwigs love dark, damp places to hide during the day. By eliminating these hiding spots, you make your yard far less inviting to them.
Regularly clear away piles of leaves, stacks of newspapers, lumber, or any other debris where pests can hide. Keep your grass trimmed and promptly remove dead plant material. Prune trees and shrubs to reduce shady, moist areas, especially near your home.
Maintain a six to twelve-inch gap between your home’s foundation and mulch, dead leaves, or vegetation. This dry barrier discourages earwigs from crossing into your home.
If you use mulch in your garden, consider switching from organic wood mulch to inorganic options like rubber, gravel or stone. Organic mulch retains moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for earwigs. The goal is simple: eliminate as many damp, hidden areas as possible.
Remove Food Sources
Earwigs are scavengers that feed on a variety of organic materials. By cutting off their food supply, you make your home far less appealing.
Clean Regularly
- Focus on kitchens and dining areas, prime targets for earwigs if food is left out.
- Wipe down countertops, tables and stovetops after each use to remove crumbs and spills.
- Clean behind appliances, under cabinets and in corners to eliminate hiding spots.
- Vacuum floors and carpets to pick up crumbs and debris that attract pests.
Store Food Properly
- Keep grains, cereals and snacks in airtight containers.
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly to prevent spoilage.
- Clean up spills and food debris immediately to avoid creating a feast for earwigs.The bottom line is a clean home with securely stored food leaves earwigs with nothing to snack on.
Remedies to Eliminate Earwigs
There are several methods to help you get rid of earwigs. If you prefer to avoid chemical pesticides, there are numerous natural remedies you can use in your house. See below on how you can get started.
Natural Oils
Certain essential oils like peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and citrus are known for their insect-repellent properties and can help keep earwigs away. Creating a DIY spray is simple:
- Fill a spray bottle with water.
- Add a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender or citrus oil.
- Shake well before each use.
Spray this mixture around doorways, windowsills, and areas where you’ve seen earwigs. You can also apply it directly to plants that are being damaged. Oils with strong aromas, such as eucalyptus, cinnamon, peppermint and lemon are especially effective at deterring earwigs. Reapply every few days or after rain, as the scent fades over time. When properly diluted, essential oil sprays are completely safe for children and pets, making this a family-friendly pest control solution.
You can add extra protection with aromatic plants. Plant herbs like lavender and peppermint around your home for natural, long-lasting defense against earwigs.
Make a Simple Earwig Trap
Mix equal parts vegetable oil and soy sauce (about ¼ cup each) in a small container. Bury it so the rim is level with the soil near areas where you’ve seen earwigs. The soy sauce attracts them, and the oil traps them.
Cover with a lid or saucer to keep rain out, leaving small gaps for bugs to enter. Check every few days, discard the earwigs, and refill as needed.
Use Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Earwigs
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from fossilized diatoms. It’s safe for humans and pets but lethal to earwigs. The fine particles cut through their exoskeleton, causing them to die within about 48 hours of contact.
- Sprinkle a thin layer around the base of plants that earwigs are damaging.
- Apply along your home’s foundation or anywhere you’ve noticed earwig activity.Avoid piling DE too thick, earwigs may avoid crossing large mounds, reducing its effectiveness. A light, even layer works best.
When applying diatomaceous earth, wear a mask, gloves and eye protection to avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes. Only use food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE), which is safe around kids and pets.
Use Boric Acid to Eliminate Earwigs Indoors
A simple, natural way to get rid of earwigs inside your home is by using boric acid powder. Sprinkle it in areas where earwigs hide, such as dark corners, along baseboards and damp spaces like basements or crawl spaces. It typically kills earwigs within 1–2 weeks.
Unlike diatomaceous earth, which cuts through the exoskeleton, boric acid uses chemical action to kill pests. It’s also more effective in moist environments, making it ideal for damp areas.
Spread the powder in thin lines, not large piles. Earwigs will walk through it and carry the powder back to their hiding spots, where it continues to work.
Newspaper & Magazine Roll Traps
One of the easiest and most effective earwig traps is a rolled-up newspaper or magazine. Roll it loosely into a tube as tight rolls won’t work because earwigs need space to crawl inside. Dampen the paper with water and place it in dark corners where you’ve seen earwigs.
This method works best indoors. Put the damp tubes in basements, garages, or any area where earwigs are active. After a couple of days, pick up the newspaper with gloves and either seal it in a bag for disposal or shake the bugs into soapy water.
When to Use Chemical Treatments or Call a Professional
If natural methods aren’t delivering results quickly enough, commercial pesticides can offer stronger control. Use chemical treatments only as a last resort after trying safer, natural options first. While they work faster, they also pose greater safety risks and environmental impact.
Follow Safety Guidelines
Always read and follow the product label instructions carefully. Misuse can harm pets and children. Apply chemicals only in the areas and amounts specified on the packaging.
When to Call Pest Control
If you’ve tried multiple DIY methods for several weeks without success, it may be time to bring in a professional. Pest control experts can perform thorough inspections, identify hidden entry points, moisture sources, and breeding areas that DIY solutions often miss.
Dealing with earwigs indoors can be frustrating, but with the right strategies, you can eliminate them and keep your home pest-free. By following the tips above, such as reducing moisture, sealing entry points, and using natural or chemical treatments, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any earwig infestation. Lowe’s is here to help with the supplies you need to combat these pests.
If the problem persists despite your efforts, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control service. Experts can identify hidden entry points and breeding areas that DIY methods often miss, ensuring long-term protection for your home.
FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions on dealing with earwig problems.
Why Are Earwigs Called Earwigs?
The name “earwig” comes from the Old English word ēarwicga, meaning “ear insect.” In reality, earwigs don’t seek out human ears. These insects are far more interested in plants than people. They prefer damp, dark places like soil and mulch.
Are Earwigs Harmful to People or Pets?
Earwigs may look intimidating with their pincers, but they’re generally harmless to humans and pets. They don’t spread diseases, and their pincers are too weak to cause serious injury—at most, they might give a mild pinch if handled. Earwigs don’t bite, sting, or infest people or animals. Their main interest is plants and decaying organic matter, not you or your pets.
What Attracts Earwigs to My House?
Earwigs are drawn to moisture, darkness, and food sources. Leaky pipes, damp basements and humid bathrooms create the perfect environment for them. Outdoors, piles of leaves, mulch and decaying plant matter attract earwigs, and if these conditions are close to your home, they may wander inside. They also seek out crumbs, food scraps and organic debris, so keeping your home clean and dry is key to preventing an infestation.
How Do I Get Rid of Earwigs?
To get rid of earwigs, first reduce moisture by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers. Seal entry points like cracks and gaps. Keep your home clean and store food properly. Use natural remedies like diatomaceous earth or essential oils. Set traps like newspaper rolls. As a last resort, use chemical treatments like insecticidal sprays or granules. By combining these methods, you can effectively eliminate earwigs from your home.
How Can I Keep Earwigs Out of My House Permanently?
- Fix leaks & reduce moisture with dehumidifiers and ventilation.
- Seal entry points: caulk cracks, install door sweeps, repair screens.
- Clear outdoor clutter: remove leaves, mulch, and yard debris.
- Create a dry zone: keep mulch and plants 6–12 inches from your foundation.
- Use natural deterrents like essential oil sprays or diatomaceous earth.
Which Insecticide Works Best on Earwigs?
If natural methods aren’t cutting it, you can use insecticides for stronger control—many are easy to apply yourself. Here are the best options for homeowners:
Look for sprays with bifenthrin, deltamethrin, or cypermethrin. These are great for creating a barrier around doors, windows, and your home’s foundation. Use a ready-to-spray for quick application—no mixing required.
Boric acid-based bait you can sprinkle around your garden or foundation will work well. It’s weather-resistant and works even in damp conditions. Apply in thin lines near problem areas.
Sprinkle a light layer of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) around plants and entry points. Safe for pets and kids when applied correctly.
Mix peppermint or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle to make an essential oil spray and apply around doors and windows.