Earwigs are among the most frustrating pests to have invaded your home. They’re almost entirely nocturnal, so you probably won’t run into them during the day. Their bodies are made for burrowing into the wood and other debris, which makes their numbers hard to track.

What are Earwigs?

An earwig is a member of the family Dermaptera, which includes more than 2,000 species worldwide, with each type having its own unique characteristics. They are common in gardens, greenhouses, and other damp places; they usually hide in dark crevices or under rocks and leaves during the day.

There are around fifteen to twenty different kinds of earwigs in the USA, and unlike a common misconception, they do not enter people’s ears while they are asleep and consume their brains. The pincers on earwigs, which are actually intended to ward off predators and engage in mating combat with other earwigs, can, however, terrify some people.

What Do Earwigs Look Like?

Earwigs, also called pincher bugs, are small, slender insects commonly found in homes across North America. They have long, segmented abdomens and distinct rear-mounted pincers.

Earwigs typically grow to about 1/2 inch in length. Their bodies are flat and elongated, with six legs and two antennae, making them resemble other insects like cockroaches or beetles.

The most recognizable feature of earwigs is their large, curved forceps on the abdomen. While these pincers may look threatening, they are harmless.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in House

Getting rid of earwigs is pretty simple. Here’s how you can effectively get rid of these pests from your garden or house:

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  Eliminate Moisture

  Moisture can attract earwigs since they need water for survival. To reduce humidity levels and prevent an infestation, ensure that all holes in walls or foundations are sealed off properly and repair any leaking pipes or faucets outside of your home. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid overly damp soil by paying attention to drainage issues, such as soggy patches around trees or puddles after watering plants.

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  Remove Food and Harborage Sources

  Removing food and harborage sources is the best way to control earwig populations. One way to do this is by cleaning up any areas where food has spilled or been left out, such as on counters, in the pantry, or around pet bowls. Additionally, it’s important not to leave out cardboard boxes or other items where they may easily hide, as they provide a comfortable habitat for earwigs. Keeping all trash cans sealed tightly will also help prevent them from entering and scavenging for scraps of food inside.

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  Keep the Lights off at Night

  Turning off lights around your house will make it less inviting to earwigs because they prefer dark environments. Keep exterior lighting to a minimum and avoid placing any light fixtures close to windows or doors, as this will attract them. If you do need to leave a porch or security light on during the night, use a yellow-colored bulb, as these attract fewer insects than white ones do.

  Inside the house, use low-wattage bulbs when possible, as brighter lighting will also attract them. Keep windows covered with blinds or curtains and avoid using unnecessary lighting throughout the evening hours too.

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  Set Traps

  When it comes to earwig trapping, there are several different types of traps available for purchase at most hardware stores. Commonly used traps include glue boards that capture the pests when stepped on, as well as baited traps using cornmeal or other sweet foods as bait. Place the trap in locations where you have seen the presence of earwig activity, like behind furniture or appliances, under sinks and drains, or near windowsills.

  • Magazine Roll Method

    Roll up a magazine or newspaper, and place it in areas where earwigs are commonly found. The earwigs will crawl inside to hide, and you can easily dispose of them.

  • Oil-Based Trap

    Fill a shallow dish with vegetable oil and place it in areas where earwigs appear. The earwigs will be attracted to the oil and become trapped.

  • Terracotta Pot Method

    Place an empty terracotta pot, upside down, in damp areas. Earwigs will crawl under it for shelter. You can then shake the pot to remove them.

  • Sticky Trap Solution

    Set up sticky glue traps near walls or areas where earwigs are active. The earwigs will become stuck to the traps, making it easy to remove them.

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  Vacuum Up Earwigs

  One of the most effective techniques to get rid of earwigs in your home or garden is to vacuum them up. This method works well because it is quick and easy to do with a standard household vacuum cleaner. To start the process:

  • Ensure your vacuum cleaner has a hose attachment so you can reach into tight spaces where earwigs may be hiding.
  • Simply move the hose around furniture, under appliances, along baseboards, and corners of windowsills until you locate an earwig or two.
  • Once found, use the vacuum hose to suck them up into the chamber of the machine for disposal later on.
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  Clean Gutters and Drainpipes

  Earwigs love damp, dark places and these areas often offer the perfect environment for them to thrive. By removing any standing water or debris from your gutters and drainpipes, you can significantly reduce the number of earwigs in your home.

  It’s important to clean out your gutters regularly; this will keep them free from leaves, twigs, and other debris that attract pests like earwigs. Take extra care when cleaning around the seams and corners of the gutter, as these are often where insects hide. In addition, if you have any clogged downspouts or drainage pipes, be sure to clean them out too.

What Attracts Earwigs to Your Home?

• Earwigs are nocturnal insects, meaning they are most active at night. They are attracted to light, so porch lights may draw them to your home. Additionally, they often hide in dark, moist areas like wood piles, boxes, or newspapers. These hiding spots may lead them indoors by accident.
• Moisture is another major factor. Earwigs are drawn to damp environments, where they can find shelter and avoid drying out during the day. If you consistently find earwigs in a specific area, it may indicate a moisture issue in your home.
• Earwigs also seek food sources, particularly rotting organic matter, fresh plants, plant debris, and insects. Compost piles, mulch, dead leaves, and manure near your home can attract them.
• During the fall, earwigs may try to enter homes in search of warmth as they prepare to overwinter. If your home regularly attracts them in the fall, address the conditions that may be drawing them inside.

How to Keep Earwigs Away and Prevent Them from Coming Back

To prevent earwigs from returning to your home, follow these steps:

• Seal Entry Points:Repair holes in window screens, and seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, foundation, and vents.
• Reduce Moisture:Use a dehumidifier in your basement to control excess moisture, and repair any leaks, including leaky faucets.
• Clear Outdoor Areas:Remove piles of wood, leaves, rocks, and excess vegetation from around your home. Keep mulch and plants at least 6 to 12 inches away from your foundation.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs:Prune trees and bushes to eliminate areas of heavy shade and dampness near your home.
• Maintain Gutters and Drains:Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear and properly directing water away from your home to prevent moisture buildup.

By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the chance of earwigs returning to your home.

FAQs

1. Do earwigs go in your ear?

While it’s very uncommon, earwigs can occasionally enter your ear. These small insects, known for their pincers, may cause discomfort, pain, or potentially affect your hearing if they do.

2. What do earwigs eat?

Earwigs feast on a variety of foods depending upon the species. They mainly prefer to feed on live and dead plant material such as leaves, flowers, and fruit. However, some earwig species also consume insects like aphids and other soft-bodied pests. Additionally, some earwigs may scavenge for rotting materials or fungi when their preferred food isn’t available. Earwigs will also feed on pollen grains, nectar, fungi spores, and even honeydew excreted by aphids or scale insects.

3. Where do earwigs come from?

Through methods like shipping and trade, earwigs have spread around the world. They spend their lives outdoors in damp areas where they eat insects and decaying plant stuff for food. They occasionally stray indoors, but they are typically seen as a bother or a pest in the garden.

4. Can earwigs fly?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. Earwigs do have wings, but they rarely use them for flight as flying requires more energy than it would take to walk or run away from danger.

5. Do Earwigs Bite?

Despite their intimidating pincers, the answer is no. Some pests can give you the most painful stings, but earwigs are actually harmless and tend to shy away from human contact. While their pincers may look threatening, they are actually used for grooming and defending themselves against other insects.

6. Are Earwigs Dangerous?

If handled properly and with caution, earwigs pose no threat at all. People fear earwigs due to an old myth that they crawl into people’s ears while they sleep and lay eggs – but there is no scientific evidence to prove this myth true. In reality, the only time you need to worry about an earwig biting you is if it has been mishandled or hurt in some way. In some cases, these pincers can cause a painful pinch when they land on human skin. However, the pinch rarely breaks the skin and does not draw blood.

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