Earwigs can look alarming when they suddenly appear around the house, basement, bathroom, or garden. Their pincers make them seem much more threatening than they usually are. If you are seeing several of them, the best approach is to remove the damp hiding places and entry points that attract them.
1. Reduce Moisture
Earwigs prefer cool, damp places. Fix leaking faucets or pipes, improve drainage, and avoid leaving wet towels or piles of damp organic material near the house.
2. Remove Hiding Places
Clear leaves, grass clippings, boards, cardboard, and other debris from areas close to your home’s foundation. These can provide shelter during the day.
3. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Check around doors, windows, pipes, and the foundation for small openings. Seal gaps with an appropriate caulk or weather stripping to reduce entry.
4. Keep Vegetation Away From Walls
Trim plants and ground cover so they do not touch the exterior walls. A clear strip around the foundation makes it harder for earwigs to move indoors.
5. Try a Simple Trap
Rolled-up newspaper or corrugated cardboard can provide a temporary hiding place. Put the trap in an area where you see earwigs, then remove it outdoors the next morning.
6. Vacuum Indoor Earwigs
If earwigs are already inside, vacuuming them up is a simple way to remove them. Empty the vacuum promptly and clean the area where they were found.
7. Keep Outdoor Lights Under Control
Some insects are attracted to exterior lights, and earwigs may appear around areas where other insects gather. Use outdoor lighting only when needed and keep doors and windows screened.
8. Clean Up Around the Garden
Remove rotting plant material, excess mulch, and damp debris near doors and walls. Keep garden areas tidy and avoid creating consistently wet hiding places.
9. Find the Entry Point If They Keep Returning
If earwigs repeatedly appear indoors, look for the route they are using. Check basement windows, door thresholds, foundation cracks, and damp utility areas. Persistent problems may need professional inspection.
How to Prevent Earwigs From Coming Back
- Keep the area around your foundation dry.
- Remove leaf piles and damp debris.
- Repair leaks and improve drainage.
- Seal cracks around doors and windows.
- Trim plants away from the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are earwigs coming into my house?
They are often attracted by moisture and sheltered areas. Damp basements, bathrooms, mulch, leaves, and gaps around doors can all provide suitable conditions.
Are earwigs dangerous?
Earwigs are generally not dangerous to people. Their pincers can look intimidating, but they are not known for routinely attacking humans.
What is the fastest way to get rid of earwigs?
Remove moisture and hiding places, seal entry points, and vacuum indoor insects. Combining these steps is usually more effective than relying on a single spray or trap.
Bottom line: If earwigs are taking over your home or garden, focus on moisture, shelter, and entry points. Make the area less comfortable for them and they are much less likely to keep coming back.
