Earwigs, belonging to the insect order Dermaptera, are commonly considered nuisance pests in homes and gardens. They are easily recognized by the pair of forceps-like pincers extending from their abdomen. Earwigs are attracted to cool, dark, and especially moist environments, often seeking refuge indoors when outdoor conditions become too dry or too wet. They can cause damage by chewing irregular holes in the leaves and flowers of garden plants and houseplants. Effective management requires killing existing populations combined with habitat modification to prevent their return.
Non-Toxic Trapping and Removal Methods
Immediate and safe control of earwigs can be achieved using simple, low-toxicity methods involving common household materials. An effective approach uses oil-based traps, which exploit the earwig’s nocturnal foraging habits and attraction to certain scents. To create these traps, a shallow container, such as a tuna can, is partially filled with vegetable oil and a small amount of an attractant like soy sauce or bacon grease. The earwigs are drawn to the bait, fall into the oil, and are unable to escape.
A simple soap solution is another non-toxic method. A mixture of water and a few drops of liquid dish soap can be sprayed directly onto visible earwigs. The soap acts as a contact killer, breaking down the insect’s protective outer layer, which leads to rapid dehydration and death. This solution is best used for immediate knockdown of small groups found on plants or walls.
For a broader, residual effect, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) provides a mechanical control option. DE is a naturally occurring powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. The microscopic edges of the DE particles are sharp, abrading the earwig’s cuticle, or waxy exoskeleton, which causes the insect to dehydrate and die. This powder must be applied to dry areas and reapplied after rain or watering to remain effective.
Simple wet traps offer an easy way to collect earwigs for disposal without chemicals. Earwigs naturally seek dark, damp, and tight spaces for daytime hiding. A rolled-up section of newspaper or a dampened cardboard tube placed in a garden or near a foundation will attract them overnight. In the morning, the trap can be collected and the trapped earwigs can be emptied into a bucket of soapy water for eradication.
Applying Commercial Insecticides and Dusts
When earwig infestations are severe or persistent, commercial chemical treatments may be necessary to establish a lasting barrier. Effective products often contain active ingredients like carbaryl or synthetic pyrethroids, such as bifenthrin or deltamethrin. Carbaryl, often sold as a granular bait, acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor, killing earwigs upon contact and ingestion, and can offer residual control for up to two weeks.
Residual liquid sprays are mixed with water and applied as a continuous barrier around the foundation. These perimeter treatments prevent earwigs from entering the structure, often providing control for 30 to 90 days.
Insecticidal dusts, which may contain pyrethrins or boric acid, are specifically designed for application in hidden areas. These fine powders are puffed into cracks, crevices, wall voids, and behind baseboards, where earwigs hide during the day. The dust particles adhere to the earwig’s body, resulting in death. Granular baits, often containing carbaryl, are spread across lawns and garden beds, where earwigs encounter the bait while foraging and carry the poison back to their harborage area.
Always prioritize safety by following the manufacturer’s label instructions precisely when applying any commercial insecticide. The label specifies required personal protective equipment, such as gloves, and details application rates to ensure effectiveness while minimizing risk to pets, children, and beneficial insects. Applying treatments in the late afternoon or evening is generally most effective, as earwigs are primarily active at night.
Eliminating Outdoor Hiding Spots
Long-term earwig control relies on environmental modification to make the area less hospitable. Since earwigs depend on moisture, eliminating excess dampness is paramount for prevention. This involves improving drainage to quickly move water away from the foundation and ensuring that rain gutters and downspouts are clear and functioning correctly. Repairing leaky outdoor faucets or irrigation lines also removes a constant source of moisture that attracts earwigs.
Addressing debris and harborage sites near the home removes their daytime shelter. Earwigs congregate under leaf litter, wood piles, stones, and thick mulch beds. Clearing this organic debris away from the foundation creates a dry, exposed zone that earwigs will avoid. Maintaining a six- to twelve-inch-wide perimeter of dry soil or gravel directly against the foundation is highly effective in deterring them.
The final step in prevention is exclusion, which involves physically blocking the routes earwigs use to enter a structure. Inspecting and sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, around utility entry points, and beneath door and window frames with caulk or weatherstripping prevents indoor migration. This structural maintenance ensures earwigs cannot find their way inside.