Earwigs are a common household and garden nuisance. While they may look frightening with their pincers, they are mostly harmless to humans. However, their presence in large numbers can be a problem, especially if they start damaging your plants or finding their way indoors.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover how to get rid of earwigs, including the best methods for how to get rid of earwigs in house, how to get rid of earwigs in your house fast, and how to get rid of earwigs in the garden.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are small, dark brown or black insects with long bodies and curved pincers at the end of their abdomens. They typically hide in moist, dark places during the day and become active at night.

Why Do Earwigs Enter Homes?

Earwigs may enter your home for several reasons:
✔ Moisture – They seek out damp areas like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
✔ Shelter – They enter through cracks, crevices, and open windows.
✔ Food – Earwigs feed on decaying plant material, crumbs, and insects.

Understanding what attracts earwigs is essential to learning how to get rid of earwigs in house and keeping them from coming back.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House Fast

If you’ve spotted earwigs inside your home, follow these steps to remove them quickly.

1. Reduce Moisture and Humidity

Earwigs thrive in humid conditions, so keeping your home dry is key.
✔ Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.
✔ Fix leaky pipes and faucets to eliminate excess moisture.
✔ Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

2. Seal Entry Points

Preventing earwigs from getting inside is the best way to control an infestation.
✔ Inspect doors, windows, and walls for cracks or gaps.
✔ Seal cracks with caulk and apply weatherstripping to doors and windows.
✔ Install door sweeps to block access under doors.

3. Set DIY Earwig Traps

Homemade traps are an effective way to get rid of earwigs in your house fast.
✔ Oil and Soy Sauce Trap – Mix vegetable oil and soy sauce in a shallow dish. The scent attracts earwigs, and they drown in the liquid.
✔ Rolled-Up Newspaper Trap – Place a damp newspaper in areas where earwigs are active. Dispose of it in the morning with the trapped insects inside.
✔ Cardboard Box Trap – Line a small box with petroleum jelly. Earwigs crawl in but can’t escape.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Repellents can help deter earwigs from coming back.
???? Essential Oils – Mix peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil with water and spray it around baseboards, windows, and doors.
???? Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – Sprinkle food-grade DE along baseboards, in corners, and around entry points to kill earwigs naturally.

5. Vacuum and Dispose of Earwigs

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove earwigs from floors, furniture, and walls. Empty the vacuum bag outside immediately to prevent them from returning.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Garden

Earwigs can be both helpful and harmful in gardens. They eat aphids, but in large numbers, they can damage flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Here’s how to get rid of earwigs in the garden safely.

1. Remove Earwig Hiding Spots

Since earwigs hide in dark, damp places during the day, eliminating these areas will reduce their numbers.
✔ Clear away mulch, leaves, and wood piles near plants.
✔ Keep plants well-spaced to improve air circulation and reduce moisture.
✔ Elevate firewood and garden tools off the ground.

2. Set Up Garden Traps

Traps are a great way to get rid of earwigs in the garden naturally.
✔ Oil and Water Trap – Place a shallow dish with vegetable oil and water near plants. Earwigs crawl in and drown.
✔ Beer Trap – Bury a small container of beer in the soil. The yeast attracts earwigs, trapping them inside.
✔ Damp Paper Towel Trap – Place a rolled-up damp paper towel in the garden overnight. Dispose of it in the morning.

3. Encourage Natural Predators

Attracting natural predators can help control earwig populations.

• Birds – Install bird feeders and baths to attract bug-eating birds.
• Frogs and Toads – Provide water sources to encourage these helpful creatures.
• Ladybugs and Lacewings – These beneficial insects help maintain a balanced ecosystem.

4. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Sprinkle food-grade Diatomaceous Earth around plants and garden beds. This natural insect killer dehydrates and kills earwigs while being safe for plants and pets.

5. Apply Neem Oil Spray

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that disrupts earwig feeding and reproduction. Mix neem oil with water and spray it on affected plants.

Preventing Future Earwig Infestations

Once you’ve removed earwigs, take steps to keep them from returning.

Indoor Prevention Tips

✔ Reduce indoor moisture – Fix leaks and use a dehumidifier.
✔ Seal cracks and entry points – Use caulk and weatherstripping.
✔ Use repellents – Essential oils and natural deterrents work well.

Outdoor Prevention Tips

✔ Keep the garden clean – Remove mulch, dead leaves, and moisture sources.
✔ Create a dry barrier – Use gravel or dry soil around your home’s foundation.
✔ Encourage natural predators – Birds, frogs, and beneficial insects help control earwig populations.

Final Thoughts: How to Get Rid of Earwigs for Good

Earwigs may look scary, but they can be managed effectively with the right approach. By reducing moisture, sealing entry points, setting traps, and using natural repellents, you can successfully get rid of earwigs in house fast and prevent future infestations.

With these simple and effective strategies, you’ll enjoy a pest-free home and garden all year round!