Earwigs, belonging to the insect order Dermaptera, are easily recognized by the prominent pincer-like appendages, called cerci, extending from their abdomen. These nocturnal insects are drawn to moist, dark environments and often become a nuisance when they invade homes or gardens. While harmless to humans, earwigs can damage plants and spoil soft fruits, prompting homeowners to seek effective control methods. Managing an earwig presence requires an integrated approach combining active removal, environmental modification, and targeted treatments.
Physical Removal and Trapping Methods
Active trapping provides an immediate, low-toxicity solution for reducing earwig populations both indoors and outdoors. Earwigs are naturally attracted to dark, tight spaces, a behavior that can be exploited using simple, homemade traps. A rolled-up newspaper or a piece of corrugated cardboard, lightly dampened, makes an appealing daytime hiding spot; these traps should be placed near areas of activity in the evening and collected in the morning. The trapped earwigs can then be shaken out into a container of soapy water for disposal.
Another method is the oil trap, which uses an attractant and a drowning agent. A shallow can, such as a tuna or cat food can, can be filled with vegetable oil and a few drops of bacon grease or soy sauce. The scent draws the earwigs in, and the oil prevents them from escaping. For outdoor use, these traps are most effective when buried flush with the soil surface.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) works as a physical barrier by mechanical action rather than chemical toxicity. This fine powder is composed of fossilized algae skeletons with microscopic, sharp edges. When an earwig crawls over DE, the particles scratch its protective waxy exoskeleton, causing the insect to rapidly dehydrate. Diatomaceous earth should be applied as a thin, barely visible layer in dry areas, as it becomes ineffective when wet.
Structural Exclusion and Habitat Modification
Long-term earwig control relies on eliminating the dark, damp habitats that attract them and sealing entry points into structures. Earwigs are moisture-loving insects, so addressing sources of standing water and excess humidity is the most important step. This includes repairing leaky outdoor faucets, ensuring air conditioning units drain properly, and confirming gutters direct water at least five feet away from the foundation.
Outdoor environmental modification involves removing their preferred daytime shelters near the home’s perimeter. This means clearing away piles of leaves, grass clippings, and wood, and trimming back dense vegetation or shrubs that touch the foundation. Excessive organic mulch around the foundation can be replaced with less absorbent materials like gravel or crushed stone to reduce moisture retention and potential hiding spots.
To prevent earwigs from entering the home, structural exclusion requires sealing all access points. Use durable exterior-grade caulk to fill cracks and gaps in the foundation, around utility pipes, and where vents enter the building. Damaged weatherstripping and door sweeps on ground-level doors and windows should be replaced to ensure a tight seal. In damp areas like basements and crawl spaces, using a dehumidifier creates an environment too dry for earwigs to thrive.
Targeted Insecticide Application
In cases of severe or persistent infestations that do not respond to cultural and physical controls, targeted insecticide application may be warranted. The goal is to create a chemical barrier around the home’s exterior to prevent earwigs from crossing the threshold and entering the structure. This approach is safer and more effective than non-specific, broad-area spraying.
Residual liquid sprays or granules containing active ingredients like bifenthrin or lambda-cyhalothrin can be applied directly to the foundation and the surrounding soil. This creates a contact zone, typically a band three to five feet wide, that kills earwigs as they move toward the house. Application should focus on perimeter areas, crawl spaces, and dark crevices, and should be done in the evening before the earwigs become active.
Insecticide dusts, such as those containing boric acid, can be blown into wall voids and deep cracks where earwigs hide and breed. These dusts offer long-lasting control as long as they remain dry. Always follow the manufacturer’s label directions, especially concerning application rates and safety precautions around children, pets, and edible plants.