How to Get Rid of Earwigs

How to Get Rid of Earwigs

Earwigs are common outdoor insects that sometimes find their way indoors in search of moisture and shelter. Although they may look intimidating because of the pincers at the end of their bodies, earwigs are generally harmless to people and pets. If you find them inside your home, the best solution is to eliminate the conditions that attract them while treating the areas where they hide and enter.

Reduce Moisture

Earwigs are attracted to damp environments.

Help make your home less inviting by:

• Repairing leaking pipes and faucets

• Drying wet basements and crawl spaces

• Improving ventilation

• Using a dehumidifier in humid areas

• Eliminating standing water around your home

Reducing moisture is one of the most effective ways to discourage earwigs.

Remove Outdoor Hiding Places

Earwigs often hide outdoors during the day before moving inside at night.

Reduce hiding places by:

• Removing piles of leaves

• Keeping mulch away from the foundation

• Storing firewood away from your home

• Trimming shrubs and ground cover

• Cleaning up yard debris

Keeping the area around your home clean can help reduce earwig populations.

Seal Entry Points

Earwigs can enter through surprisingly small openings.

Inspect and seal:

• Foundation cracks

• Gaps around doors and windows

• Utility and plumbing openings

• Garage door gaps

• Damaged weatherstripping

Blocking entry points helps prevent earwigs from getting indoors.

Treat Areas Where Earwigs Hide

Apply a quality bug killer according to the product directions in areas where earwigs are commonly found.

Focus on:

• Along baseboards

• Around doors and windows

• Garages

• Basements

• Crawl spaces

• Utility rooms

• Foundation walls

Treating these areas helps control active infestations and discourages new insects from entering.

Prevent Future Earwig Problems

Once earwigs are under control, continue practicing good prevention habits.

• Keep your home dry.

• Reduce outdoor moisture.

• Remove yard debris.

• Seal entry points.

• Reapply bug killer according to the product label when needed.

With routine maintenance, you can help keep earwigs from becoming a recurring problem.