Earwigs are reddish-brown insects identifiable by the prominent, pincer-like appendages, known as cerci, located at the end of their abdomen. They thrive in environments that are dark, cool, and damp, often sheltering under objects like stones, mulch, or decaying wood. While their appearance can be alarming, earwigs are primarily a nocturnal nuisance that rarely damages healthy plants or poses a threat to human health. They typically seek refuge inside structures only when outdoor conditions become excessively dry or wet, driving them to find stable shelter indoors.
Eliminating Earwig Habitats
Earwigs require consistent moisture to survive, making environmental modification the most effective long-term control strategy. The initial step is addressing sources of standing water or excessive dampness near the home’s foundation. This includes repairing leaky outdoor faucets, improving soil grade, and ensuring air conditioning condensation lines drain away from the structure. Removing organic debris that traps moisture against the foundation also creates an inhospitable perimeter. Raking back mulch, leaf litter, and grass clippings from exterior walls creates a dry barrier that earwigs avoid.
Storing firewood, lumber, and other yard materials elevated and away from the house walls reduces potential daytime hiding spots. Preventing entry completes the exclusion process. Inspecting the foundation and exterior walls for cracks or small openings is important, as sealing these flaws eliminates common entry points. Ensuring that weather stripping around all doors and windows is intact provides a physical barrier against earwigs migrating indoors.
Effective Trapping Methods
After environmental modification, physical trapping methods offer a non-chemical approach for actively monitoring and reducing the earwig population. A simple pitfall trap uses a shallow container, such as a tuna can or margarine tub lid. Fill the container with vegetable oil and add a small amount of an attractant, like soy sauce or bacon grease, which proves highly successful in capturing the insects.
Earwigs are drawn to the scent, fall into the oil, and cannot escape the slick surface of the container walls. Place these traps strategically in areas of known activity, such as along baseboards, near garden beds, or close to entry points. Checking and discarding the contents every morning provides data on the infestation level and removes a substantial number of individuals.
Exploiting the earwig’s natural behavior of seeking dark, damp crevices allows for the creation of artificial shelters. Rolling up corrugated cardboard, a damp newspaper, or a piece of garden hose provides an ideal refuge that functions as a trap. Set these rolled traps out in the evening and collect them early the following morning before the insects disperse. The captured earwigs can then be shaken into a bucket filled with soapy water for complete removal.
Targeted Insecticide Use
For persistent infestations remaining after habitat modification and trapping, targeted application of low-toxicity materials serves as a final defense. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a finely ground mineral dust that works mechanically by abrading the insect’s protective outer layer, leading to fatal dehydration. Boric acid dust is another option that acts as a stomach poison, but it must be applied with care and only in inaccessible areas like wall voids or under appliances.
When using boric acid dust, it is important to apply only a thin, barely visible film, and safety precautions must be followed, especially in homes with pets or small children. These dry mineral dusts are only effective when they remain protected from moisture, making them best suited for sheltered indoor areas or crawl spaces. They are ineffective when applied to wet soil or exposed outdoor locations.
For outdoor problems, residual insecticides, such as those containing pyrethrins, can be applied to the exterior foundation to create a chemical barrier. This perimeter treatment should be applied in a narrow band, extending approximately one foot up the wall and one foot out onto the surrounding soil. Targeting cracks, crevices, and known entry points ensures that the application is focused and effective against earwigs attempting to breach the structure.