How to Keep Earwigs Out of House: Top Proven Methods

Earwigs can be a nuisance when they invade your home, seeking out damp and dark environments. These tiny insects are unsightly and can damage plants and other household items. Fortunately, several proven methods exist for how to keep earwigs out of house. This article will guide you through the top strategies to effectively eliminate and prevent earwig infestations.

Key Takeaways

• A combination of methods often yields the best results in eliminating earwigs.
• Addressing moisture issues is crucial, as earwigs thrive in damp environments.
• Sealing cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and walls can limit entry points for earwigs.
• Using natural predators and non-toxic solutions can be effective and environmentally friendly.
• Professional help may be necessary for severe infestations.

1. Dehumidifier

Earwigs thrive in damp conditions, making it essential to maintain ideal humidity levels in your home. A dehumidifier can help regulate moisture levels, particularly in basements and bathrooms, making your home less attractive to earwigs. This long-term solution eliminates the root cause of earwig attraction.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Long-term solution
  • Eliminates the root cause of earwig attraction
• Cons:
  • May require repairs or plumbing work
  • Might not be a quick fix

Tips for Effective Use

1. Place the dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
2. Ensure proper drainage to avoid water accumulation.
3. Regularly check and clean the dehumidifier to maintain its efficiency.

In areas prone to humidity, invest in a dehumidifier to regulate moisture levels, making your home less attractive to earwigs.

2. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural powder from fossilized algae dehydrating insects. Sprinkle DE lightly around suspected entry points, hiding areas like cracks, crevices, and behind appliances. Be sure to reapply DE after vacuuming or heavy rain.

How It Works

DE kills by scoring an insect’s outer layer as it crawls over the fine powder. This causes the insect to dehydrate and die. Plus, it contains zero toxic poisons!

Application Tips

• Wear a mask when applying DE to avoid inhaling the dust.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Reapply after vacuuming or heavy rain.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Effective
• Affordable
• Non-toxic
• Fast-acting

Cons:

• Requires regular re-application
• Takes time to control existing earwig populations effectively

DE is a great option for those looking for a non-toxic solution to control earwigs. However, it requires consistent reapplication to maintain its effectiveness.

3. Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are an effective method for controlling earwig populations in your home. Place the trap near suspected earwig activity, such as near baseboards or under sinks. Earwigs are attracted to the moisture and will crawl inside. Empty and reset the traps frequently to maintain their effectiveness.

Various traps are available, from DIY options using oil-soaked cardboard to commercially available sticky traps designed explicitly for earwigs. Any option works well, so choose the best product for your situation and the infestation location.

Regularly checking and emptying the traps is essential to keeping them working well. This prevents overcrowding and helps manage the earwig population. Using different traps in the right places can make this method more effective in controlling these pests.

Keeping earwigs contained in the traps can reduce their numbers in a controlled way.

4. Rolled-up Newspapers

Rolling up newspapers is a simple and effective method of trapping earwigs. Earwigs are nocturnal creatures seeking dark, damp places to hide during the day, so placing rolled-up newspapers around your home can create an attractive hiding spot for them.

How to Set Up

Roll up a few newspapers and secure them with rubber bands to set up this trap. Place these traps in areas where you have noticed earwig activity, such as basements, bathrooms, or kitchens.

Checking and Disposing

Check the traps every morning. If you find earwigs inside, dispose of the newspapers by either shaking them into a bucket of soapy water or placing the entire newspaper in a sealed plastic bag and throwing it away. Replace the traps as needed to maintain their effectiveness.

Advantages

• Cost-effective: Newspapers are inexpensive and readily available.
• Non-toxic: This method does not involve any chemicals, making it safe for homes with children and pets.
• Easy to set up: Requires minimal effort and materials.

Rolled-up newspapers are a great DIY solution for those looking to manage earwig infestations without resorting to chemical treatments.

5. Residual Insecticide

Residual insecticides are a powerful method to keep earwigs at bay. For best results, pesticides should be applied at night, and chemical control methods should be combined with trapping and sanitation protocols. This ensures a comprehensive approach to pest management.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Effective, fast- and long-acting
• Cons: May not be safe for use around kids or pets, may contain toxic ingredients

Application Tips

Create an insect-proof barrier around your home by using a perimeter pesticide. Spray it around the outside of your house, as well as around your window and door casings and along baseboards. This helps in creating a long-lasting barrier against earwigs.

Safety Precautions

When using residual insecticides, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines. Least-toxic botanical insecticides should be used as a last resort. These natural pesticides have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.

Residual insecticides can be a quick knockdown of earwigs that may already be present, and a long-lasting solution to prevent future infestations.

6. Sealant

Sealing entry points is crucial to effectively keeping earwigs out of your home. Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for cracks and gaps. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these entry points. Additionally, install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors to prevent earwigs from entering.

Inspect and Seal Cracks

Inspect your home for cracks, holes, and gaps, especially in damp areas and near ground level. These can serve as entry points for earwigs. Sealing these spots with caulk or another suitable material can prevent earwigs from gaining access to your home.

Use Weather Stripping

Use weather stripping to seal gaps around doors and windows. This not only helps in keeping earwigs out but also improves your home’s energy efficiency.

Seal Utility Openings

Check for openings around utility pipes and seal them off. This includes caulking attic and foundation vents and sealing doors and windows.

Sealing entry points is a proactive measure that not only helps in keeping earwigs out but also promotes overall home hygiene.

7. Soap Solution

A simple yet effective method involves using a soap solution. Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with a quart of warm water. Spray this solution around entry points, plant bases, or other areas where earwigs are present to naturally deter them. The soap disrupts their outer coating, causing dehydration and death.

8. Vacuum

A vacuum is an effective and fast-acting method to remove earwigs from your home. Vacuuming regularly helps remove earwigs and their eggs from carpets, rugs, and furniture. Attention is given to areas where earwigs are commonly found, like baseboards and corners. Empty and dispose of the vacuum bag properly to prevent earwigs from returning to your home.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Removes adult earwigs, their eggs and larvae, and their food sources.
• Cons: Will not eradicate hidden earwig populations.

Disposal Tips

Dispose of the vacuum bag in a tightly-sealed trash bag or empty the vacuum container into a bucket of soapy water to kill the bugs.

9. Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators is a sustainable and ecologically sound strategy for managing the earwig population. Birds, toads, and ground beetles are among the creatures that actively prey on these pests, effectively regulating their numbers within an ecosystem.

Birds

Birds are excellent natural predators of earwigs. Installing bird feeders and birdhouses in your garden can attract these helpful creatures.

Toads

Toads consume a variety of insects, including earwigs. Providing water sources and shelter in a toad-friendly environment can help control the earwig population.

Ground Beetles

Ground beetles are another effective predator. Cultivating vegetation that appeals to these beetles can help control earwig numbers.

Attracting natural predators not only helps in managing earwig populations but also promotes biodiversity and a healthier ecosystem overall.

10. Airtight Containers

Storing food in sealed containers is an effective way to prevent attracting earwigs and other pests. Pay special attention to pet food areas and promptly clean up any spilled kibble or treats. This method is easy to implement and helps prevent new earwigs from entering your home. However, it requires ongoing vigilance and may not eliminate existing earwigs.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Easy to implement, prevents attracting new earwigs.
• Cons: Requires ongoing vigilance and may not eliminate existing earwigs.

Tips for Effective Use

1. Ensure all pantry staples are stored in airtight containers with good lids.
2. Regularly clean up any food spills, especially in pet food areas.
3. Deep, clean food preparation areas to remove any potential food sources.

Keeping pantry staples stored in airtight containers with good lids is a simple yet effective way to prevent earwig infestations.

Conclusion

Preventing earwigs from entering your home involves a multi-faceted approach to addressing the root causes and immediate concerns. By managing moisture levels, sealing entry points, and employing targeted solutions, you can significantly reduce the presence of earwigs. Remember, a combination of methods often yields the best results. Also, maintaining a clean and dry environment and regular inspections can prevent future infestations. If you find that earwigs persist despite your best efforts, it may be time to consult a professional pest control service to ensure a comprehensive solution on how to keep earwigs out of house.

Frequently Asked Questions