Earwigs—those creepy little pincher bugs—might look intimidating, but they’re more of a nuisance than a threat. They’re nocturnal, moisture-loving insects that often sneak into basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and even garden beds. While they don’t bite or spread disease, they can damage plants and become a gross indoor problem if left unchecked.
In this complete guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get rid of earwigs inside and outside your home—using natural remedies, effective products, and a few unexpected tricks.
What Are Earwigs (and Why Are They Here)?
Earwigs are dark brown insects with pincers (cerci) on the end of their abdomen. Despite urban legends, they don’t crawl into people’s ears. These bugs are attracted to damp, dark places and feed on decaying organic matter, other insects, and sometimes even your plants. If they’ve shown up inside, it likely means they’ve found moisture and shelter nearby.
🔍 How to Tell If You Have an Earwig Problem
- Seeing earwigs crawling in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements
- Finding them under potted plants or mulch outside
- Leaf damage or irregular holes in garden plants
- Clusters hiding under rocks, wood, or patio furniture cushions
If you see more than a few per day, it’s time to take action.
🚫 How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the House
1. Seal Up Entry Points
Inspect windows, doors, baseboards, and vents. Use silicone caulk to close gaps. Weather-strip doors and install fine mesh screens.
2. Dry Out Moist Areas
Earwigs love humidity. Use a dehumidifier in basements or bathrooms.
🛒 Recommended Product: [Insert Amazon link to small room dehumidifier]
3. Clean Up Their Hideouts
Check under sinks, laundry areas, and in damp closets. Vacuum regularly and empty the bin outdoors.
4. Set Indoor Earwig Traps
- Rolled newspaper trap: Dampen and roll up. Leave out overnight. Toss in the morning.
- Oil and soy sauce trap: Mix in a shallow dish and place near infestations.
🛒 [Insert link to pre-made indoor earwig traps]
🌿 How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Garden
1. Remove Mulch & Garden Debris
Earwigs love damp mulch. Rake it away from your home’s foundation.
2. Trim Vegetation
Keep shrubs and tree branches trimmed back. Remove overgrowth and low-hanging foliage.
3. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Sprinkle DE around garden beds and the perimeter of your home. It kills earwigs by damaging their exoskeleton.
🛒 [Insert Amazon link to DE powder]
4. Apply Insecticidal Spray
Choose one labeled for earwigs and safe for plants. Spray around baseboards and outdoor perimeter.
🛒 [Insert Amazon link to outdoor insecticide]
🧼 Natural Remedies That Actually Work
- Neem Oil Spray: A natural insect growth regulator that interferes with reproduction. [Insert Amazon link]
- Cedarwood Chips: Acts as a natural deterrent—place near moist corners.
- Eucalyptus & Peppermint Oils: Strong-smelling oils repel earwigs. Mix with water and spray near entry points.
🛒 [Insert essential oil combo link]
🔁 Keep Earwigs from Coming Back
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes
- Add gravel barriers between garden beds and the house
- Use yellow bug lights outside instead of white ones
- Keep gutters clean and water drainage clear
- Install door sweeps
And don’t forget to visit our full pest control archive on GetRidOfff.com for more DIY defense strategies!
📺 Must-See: How to Trap Earwigs FAST
Want to see it done in real time? Here’s a top-rated YouTube video that shows how to trap earwigs using common household items and proves how effective these simple tricks can be.
🎥 [Embed YouTube video: “How to Trap & Kill Earwigs in 24 Hours”]
✅ Final Thoughts
Earwigs may be creepy, but you’re not powerless. From sealing your home to applying diatomaceous earth in your garden, there are countless ways to evict these pests. Stick with it, and you’ll have a pest-free home (and peace of mind) in no time.
For more home hacks and pest-busting guides, check out GetRidOfff.com and explore our Amazon picks for reliable tools.
