Natural Ways to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your Home
Are you dealing with pesky earwigs in your house? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. These little critters may look intimidating with their pincers, but they are harmless to humans. However, if you’re looking to get rid of them from your home, there are natural ways to do so without resorting to toxic pesticides. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to help you eliminate or deter earwigs from invading your living space.
What Do Earwigs Look Like?
Before you start trying to get rid of earwigs, it’s essential to confirm that the insect in your home is indeed an earwig. These creepy-crawlies are long, flat, and usually have six legs. One of the most distinctive features of earwigs is their pair of curved pincers known as cerci located at the end of their abdomen. These pincers serve various purposes like hunting, defense, and courting.
There are over 1,800 species of earwigs worldwide, but only a few are common pests in North America. Some of the most recognizable earwig species include the European earwig, spine-tailed earwig, striped earwig, ring-legged earwig, maritime earwig, and least earwig.
Signs of Earwigs in Your Home
If you suspect you have earwigs in your home, here are a few signs to look out for:
- Moist, dark areas: Earwigs are attracted to moist, dark spots, so check places like damp soil in indoor houseplants, under wet rugs, and in the baseboards of bathrooms and kitchens.
- Foul odor: When disturbed, earwigs release a malodorous, rotten smell as a defense mechanism.
- Nighttime activity: Since earwigs are nocturnal, they are most active at night. Grab a flashlight and inspect areas where they are likely to hide.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action to get rid of them.
8 Effective Natural Ways to Get Rid of Earwigs
But, before you reach for chemical pesticides, consider trying these natural methods to control earwig infestations in your home:
1. Remove Excess Moisture
One of the most effective ways to keep earwigs out of your home is by removing excess moisture. Since earwigs thrive in damp environments, use a dehumidifier or vapor barrier to keep dark, moist spots in your home dry. Check for leaks in bathroom cabinets, basements, and under cedar siding to avoid attracting earwigs.
2. Remove Hiding Spots
Search your home for moist spots where earwigs may hide, such as under kitchen and bathroom sinks or in the basement. To deter earwigs from infiltrating your foundation, consider creating a barrier of sand, rock, or gravel with a plastic sheet underneath to keep the area dry.
3. Keep the Lights Off at Night
If flying earwigs are common in your area, turning off porch lights at night can help reduce their presence around your home. You can use light as an attractant to set traps and catch earwigs.
4. Set Traps
Traps are an effective way to reduce the number of earwigs in your home. Consider using traps like magazine roll traps, oil traps, terra cotta pot traps, or sticky glue traps to catch earwigs.
5. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Prevent earwigs from entering your home by sealing up cracks and crevices with caulk. Make sure your doors and windows have proper seals to keep moisture out. You can also sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around cracks as a natural desiccant to dehydrate earwigs.
6. Make a DIY Bug Spray
Create a simple bug spray using 70 percent rubbing alcohol and water to kill earwigs on contact. Alternatively, a mixture of dish soap and water or water and white distilled vinegar can also be effective at deterring earwigs.
7. Use Natural Repellents
Plant herbs like anise, basil, lavender, rosemary, dill, and garlic around your home or create sachets of herbaceous scents that earwigs dislike. These natural repellents can help keep earwigs away from your living space.
8. Protect Your Fruit Trees
If earwigs are targeting your fruit trees, protect them by creating a barrier with petroleum jelly. Wrap the tree trunk in plastic wrap and apply a line of petroleum jelly to prevent earwigs from reaching the fruit.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your efforts to control earwigs on your own are not successful, it may be time to call a professional exterminator. Exterminators have the expertise and tools to identify the source of the infestation and use effective insecticides to eliminate the problem. Integrated pest management techniques may be used to address earwig infestations effectively.
In conclusion, while earwigs may seem like a nuisance, they are essential to the ecosystem and generally harmless to humans. By following the natural methods outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively control earwigs in your home without using toxic pesticides. Remember to inspect your home regularly for signs of earwigs and take proactive measures to keep them at bay.
Earwigs are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors and characteristics. By understanding their habits and employing natural control methods, you can coexist peacefully with these insects in your living space. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to address a more serious earwig infestation.
Remember, prevention is key! Take steps to eliminate excess moisture, seal entry points, and use natural repellents to keep earwigs away from your home. With persistence and the right strategies, you can enjoy a pest-free environment while respecting the balance of nature.
