Earwig Infestation: Signs, Causes, and Prevention Guide

Common Causes of Earwig Problems

Whether you already have an earwig infestation or you’re hoping to prevent their arrival, it can be helpful to know what attracts these pests. There are several factors that can contribute to an earwig problem, including moisture, light, overgrown vegetation, warm climates, and poor sanitation practices.

Moisture Attracts Earwigs and Can Lead to an Infestation

Earwigs thrive in damp environments and are often found in areas with high humidity levels. This is why they are commonly seen in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home where moisture is present. If you have a leaky faucet or pipes, this can create the perfect environment for earwigs to thrive.

Earwigs Are Attracted To Light and May Enter Homes Through Cracks and Crevices

Like many insects, earwigs are attracted to light. This means they may gather around outdoor lights near your home or even try to get closer to some of your indoor lights. Since earwigs are relatively small insects, they can easily enter your home through cracks and crevices around windows and doors. Once inside, they will seek out dark hiding places during the day and come out at night in search of food. Installing screens on your windows and using yellow bug lights outside instead of bright white lights may help keep earwigs at bay.

Overgrown Vegetation Around the Home Can Provide a Habitat for Earwigs

Earwigs love hiding in dark spaces, such as under rocks or piles of leaves. Overgrown vegetation around your home can provide plenty of hiding spots for these pests. If you have a garden or landscaping around your house, it’s important to keep it well-maintained and trimmed back to prevent earwigs from taking up residence.

Earwigs Are More Common in Areas With Warm Climates

Earwigs prefer temperatures between 70 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so they are most common in warmer climates. This means that if you live somewhere hot and humid, you may be more likely to experience an earwig infestation.

Poor Sanitation Practices Can Lead to an Increase in Earwig Populations

Earwigs are attracted to decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves or plant debris. Earwig nymphs often emerge from their nests in late spring and can be active through the fall, so raking your leaves and trimming back organic waste can be crucial to prevent an infestation. Other poor sanitation practices around your home, like unsealed garbage cans and improper disposal of food waste, can also lead to an increase in the number of earwigs present.

How To Get Rid of Earwigs in the House and Yard

If you already have an earwig infestation, you probably want to know how to get rid of them. Fortunately, you have several options for dealing with this common pest. 

Hire an Exterminator or Pest Control Company for Severe Infestations

If you have a severe earwig bug infestation in your home or yard, it may be best to hire an exterminator or pest control company. These professionals have the expertise and equipment needed to effectively eliminate the problem. They will assess the extent of the infestation and recommend the best course of action.

When choosing an exterminator or pest control company, make sure they are licensed and insured. Ask for referrals from friends and family, read online reviews, and check their credentials before hiring them.

Use Dish Soap and Water To Create a Trap for Earwigs in the Bathroom

One way to eliminate earwigs in your bathroom is by creating a trap using dish soap and water. Mix equal parts dish soap and water in a shallow container like a jar lid or pie plate. Place the container near areas where you have seen earwig insects, such as around sinks or showers.

The dish soap acts as a surfactant that reduces surface tension on the water, causing earwigs to sink instead of float on top of it. Once they fall into the soapy water trap, they won’t be able to climb out because their legs will slip on the soapy surface. Be sure to empty your earwig traps regularly to avoid any significant buildup. 

Apply Alcohol To Kill Earwigs on Contact in the Garden or Outdoors

If you’re dealing with an earwig infestation outdoors, alcohol can be an effective solution. Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spray it directly on any earwigs you see. The alcohol will kill them on contact.

Be careful not to spray the alcohol on any plants, flowers, or helpful pollinators, as it can harm them. Also, avoid spraying near open flames or sources of heat, as alcohol is flammable.

Treat Potted Plants With Soil That Is Free of Plant Material To Prevent Earwig Infestations

Earwigs are attracted to moist environments and plant materials. To prevent earwig infestations in your potted plants, use soil that is free of large bits of compost, dead leaves, or other plant material. This will reduce the likelihood of earwigs finding a suitable environment to lay their eggs and thrive.

If you already have an earwig infestation in your potted plants, remove the affected soil and replace it with fresh soil that is free of plant material. You can also add diatomaceous earth to the top layer of soil as a natural way to control earwigs and deter them from laying eggs.

Tips for Preventing Future Earwig Infestations

Keep Your Home and Garden Clean and Free of Debris

One of the most effective ways to prevent earwig infestations is by removing debris from your home and garden. Earwigs are attracted to dark, damp places where they can hide and breed. By removing piles of leaves, woodpiles, and other debris from your yard, you’ll eliminate potential hiding spots for these pests. Indoors, make sure to vacuum regularly under furniture, in corners, and behind appliances where earwigs may be lurking.

Use a Dehumidifier To Reduce Moisture Levels in Your Home

Since earwigs are also attracted to moisture, it’s important to keep your home as dry as possible. Using a dehumidifier can help reduce humidity levels indoors, making it less appealing for earwigs to take up residence. Make sure to fix any leaks or plumbing issues that could cause excess moisture buildup in your home.

Seal Any Cracks or Gaps in Your Home’s Foundation and Walls

To prevent earwigs from getting inside your home, it’s important to reduce their points of entry. Be sure to seal any openings in the foundation or walls with caulk or weatherstripping. This will not only keep out earwigs but also other pests like ants and centipedes.

Apply a Natural Oil Around the Perimeter of Your Home

Certain natural oils like neem oil or tea tree oil have been shown to repel earwigs when applied around the perimeter of your home. Simply mix a few drops of oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it along the baseboards of your home’s interior walls as well as outside around window sills and door frames.

Use Sticky Traps or Diatomaceous Earth

If you already have earwigs in the garden, using sticky traps or diatomaceous earth can help control the population. Sticky traps are designed to attract earwig pests, trapping them on a sticky surface. Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that dehydrates insects, causing them to die. Sprinkle it around your garden beds or other areas where earwigs may be present.

Act Fast To Keep Earwigs From Taking Over Your Home

Now that you know the signs of an earwig infestation, it’s important to act fast to prevent these pests from taking over your home. As we discussed earlier, earwigs can cause damage to plants and crops, and they can also be a nuisance indoors.

To prevent future infestations, make sure to keep your home clean and dry. Seal up any cracks or crevices in your walls or foundation, and remove any debris or clutter around your property. You can also use natural remedies like diatomaceous earth or essential oils to repel earwigs.

If you do find yourself dealing with an earwig infestation, don’t panic. There are plenty of effective ways to get rid of these pests both inside and outside your home. From insecticides to traps, there are many options available depending on the severity of the infestation.

Remember, prevention is key. By taking proactive steps to protect your home from earwigs and other pests, you can avoid costly damage and keep your plants safe.

So take action today! Use the tips we’ve outlined in this article to identify potential earwig problems in your home and take steps to prevent them from becoming a full-blown infestation. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can enjoy a pest-free home all year round.