How to Get Rid of Earwigs: Proven Solutions for Your Home and Garden

Lifestyle Mar 9, 2025 7 Add to Reading List

Earwigs are a common pest that many homeowners and gardeners struggle to deal with. Known for their distinctive pincers and preference for damp, dark environments, earwigs can invade homes and gardens, causing frustration. While they don’t pose a direct threat to humans, earwigs can damage plants and create an uncomfortable environment.

If you're searching for how to get rid of earwigs in your house or garden, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best methods for getting rid of earwigs fast and explain how to get rid of earwigs in house and how to get rid of earwigs in the garden.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are small insects, typically 1 to 1.5 inches long, with elongated bodies and pincers at the end. Their name comes from an old myth that suggests they crawl into people’s ears while they sleep, but this is not true. Earwigs are nocturnal creatures that hide during the day and are most active at night.

These insects are mostly harmless to humans but can cause damage to plants, flowers, and young crops by feeding on leaves and stems. Earwigs can also invade your home in search of food and moisture, making them a nuisance inside as well.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House Fast

If you’ve discovered earwigs inside your home, it's time to take quick action. Below are some effective ways how to get rid of earwigs in your house fast:

1. Eliminate Moisture

Earwigs thrive in moist environments, so it’s essential to reduce humidity in your home.

Fix leaking pipes and faucets to prevent water accumulation.
Use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture, especially in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
Open windows or use fans to improve ventilation and keep areas dry.

2. Seal Entry Points

Earwigs can enter your home through small cracks and openings. To prevent further infestations, seal these entry points:

Caulk gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards.
Install door sweeps to block any spaces under doors.
Seal cracks around utility pipes or vents to prevent earwigs from entering your home.

3. Set Traps to Catch Earwigs

Traps are an excellent way to eliminate earwigs without the use of chemicals. Here are some common traps:

Oil Trap: Fill a shallow dish with vegetable oil or soy sauce and place it near areas where earwigs are frequent. Earwigs are attracted to the liquid and will drown in it.
Newspaper Trap: Roll up a damp newspaper and place it in places where earwigs tend to hide. In the morning, discard the paper with the earwigs inside.
Sticky Tape Trap: Place double-sided sticky tape along windowsills or baseboards. As earwigs crawl across it, they will get stuck.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Several natural repellents can help you get rid of earwigs in your home without using harmful chemicals:

Essential Oils: Create a mixture of peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil and water, and spray it in areas where earwigs are active.
Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in cracks, crevices, and entry points. This natural substance will dehydrate and kill earwigs.
Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to earwig-prone areas.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Garden

Earwigs can be especially troublesome in gardens, where they feed on tender plants, flowers, and vegetables. Here are some methods for how to get rid of earwigs in the garden:

1. Remove Hiding Spots

Earwigs like to hide in dark, moist areas during the day. By eliminating their hiding spots, you can discourage them from settling in your garden:

Clear fallen leaves, plant debris, and dead plants.
Trim overgrown shrubs and other plants that can provide shelter.
Water your plants early in the morning, so the soil has time to dry out by the evening.

2. Set Traps in Your Garden

Just like in your home, traps can be very effective in getting rid of earwigs in the garden:

Beer Trap: Bury a small container in the garden and fill it with beer. Earwigs are attracted to the yeast and will drown in the liquid.
Oil Trap: Place a shallow container with vegetable oil around your garden. Earwigs will crawl in and become trapped.
Damp Cloth Trap: Lay a damp towel on the ground overnight. In the morning, shake it out to collect any earwigs that have gathered.

3. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous Earth is a safe, non-toxic substance that can help you control earwig populations in the garden.

Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around plants and in areas where earwigs are active. The tiny particles will cause earwigs to dehydrate and die.

4. Encourage Natural Predators

Encouraging natural predators to live in your garden can help control earwig populations:

Birds: Attract birds by setting up birdhouses or feeders. Birds are excellent at eating insects, including earwigs.
Toads and Frogs: Create a small pond to attract toads and frogs, both of which feed on earwigs and other pests.
Ladybugs: These insects are not only beautiful but also help control earwig numbers by feeding on them and other pests.

Preventing Future Earwig Infestations

To keep earwigs from coming back, take proactive measures both indoors and outdoors:

Indoors

Maintain a dry environment in your home by using dehumidifiers and fixing any leaks.
Regularly seal cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors to prevent earwigs from entering.
Use natural repellents like essential oils and diatomaceous earth regularly.

Outdoors

Keep your garden tidy by removing debris, fallen leaves, and dead plants.
Create a dry barrier around your house’s foundation using gravel or sand to prevent earwigs from getting close.
Attract predators like birds and toads to naturally control earwig populations.

Conclusion: Effective Ways to Get Rid of Earwigs

Earwigs may not be dangerous, but their presence can be a hassle for homeowners and gardeners. Whether you're looking for ways to get rid of earwigs in the house or how to get rid of earwigs in the garden, the strategies outlined in this post can help you control these pests effectively.

From setting traps and using natural repellents to eliminating moisture sources and encouraging natural predators, these methods will help you get rid of earwigs for good. Taking preventive steps ensures that your home and garden stay earwig-free in the future.