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Earwigs are small, nocturnal insects that often become a nuisance in gardens. Recognizable by their pincers and habit of hiding in dark, moist places, earwigs can cause significant damage to plants if not appropriately managed. Fortunately, several practical strategies exist for repelling earwigs and safeguarding your garden. Here are the top 10 tips on how to repel earwigs and keep them at bay.
Key Takeaways
- Diatomaceous Earth and Boric Acid are natural substances that can effectively kill earwigs.
- Simple traps like wet cardboard and sticky tape can help capture earwigs in your garden.
- Using bright lights can attract earwigs, making it easier to trap them.
- Nasturtium flowers can act as a sacrificial crop to divert earwigs from other plants.
- Birds are natural predators of earwigs and can help control their population.
1. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a highly effective, natural method for controlling earwigs in your garden. Among its many benefits, diatomaceous earth (DE) can control pests as varied as earwigs, caterpillars, ants, and aphids and keep slugs and snails out of the garden. This finely powdered dust works by scratching the soft body parts of earwigs, causing them to dehydrate and die.
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth
To use DE effectively, sprinkle it around the base of plants or any area where you see earwigs. Applying it in dry conditions is best, as it loses effectiveness when wet. If using it near anything consumable, opt for food-grade DE to ensure safety.
Tips for Application
- Pull back any mulch around plants before applying DE.
- Follow all label directions to avoid inhalation risks.
- Reapply after rain or watering.
Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth
- Natural and non-toxic method for how to repel earwigs.
- Effective against a variety of pests.
- Long-lasting when kept dry.
For those wondering how to get rid of earwigs in your house naturally, diatomaceous earth can also be used indoors. Simply sprinkle it along the edges of your foundation or any entry points to keep earwigs at bay.
By incorporating DE into your pest control routine, you can maintain a healthy, earwig-free garden without harsh chemicals.
2. Boric Acid
Boric acid is a natural insecticide that can effectively control earwig populations in your garden. Sprinkle boric acid powder in areas where earwigs are likely to crawl, such as alongside baseboards, wood piles, or damp corners. Be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested.
How to Apply Boric Acid
- Purchase boric acid from a hardware store or online.
- Identify areas in your garden where earwigs are commonly found.
- Sprinkle the boric acid powder in these areas, ensuring it remains dry.
- Reapply as needed, especially after rain or watering.
Safety Precautions
- Keep boric acid away from children and pets.
- Use gloves when handling boric acid to avoid skin irritation.
- Store boric acid in a cool, dry place.
Boric acid and diatomaceous earth work while earwig traps, commercially available might be easiest.
3. Soapy Water

Soapy water is an effective and proactive method for controlling earwigs in your garden. Mix one dish-washing liquid with ten parts water to create a soapy water solution. This solution can be added to a spray bottle or a small bucket.
How to Use Soapy Water
Once you spot an earwig, you can squirt it with the spray bottle or knock it into the container of soapy water. Earwigs breathe through pores in their skin, and the soapy water reduces the surface tension, preventing them from breathing. This method is relatively rapid and effective.
Night Patrols
For best results, don a head torch and go on nightly garden patrols. Check these “traps” each morning, and dump the earwigs into a bucket of soapy water. This ensures that you catch the earwigs when they are most active.
A head torch and a tub of soapy water are essential tools for this method. Be prepared to be proactive and consistent for the best results.
4. Wet Cardboard
Using wet cardboard is an effective and straightforward method to trap earwigs in your garden. To trap them, you will need some corrugated cardboard and strips of cloth to tie the traps to branches. Scientists recommend using one-sided corrugated cardboard, which you can make by wetting one side of a piece of cardboard and then prying it off. Make it into a small roll and fasten it to trunks and major limbs. Install earwig traps a month before the fruit is expected to ripen and replace them once a week.
5. Sticky Tape

Sticky tape is an effective and straightforward method to trap earwigs in your garden. This method creates a physical barrier that earwigs cannot cross without getting stuck. To set up a sticky tape trap, follow these steps:
- Choose a high-traffic area where you have noticed earwig activity.
- Cut strips of sticky tape and place them around the base of plants or along garden edges.
- Check the tape regularly and replace it as needed.
Benefits of Using Sticky Tape
- Easy to set up and use.
- Non-toxic and safe for plants and pets.
- Can be used in conjunction with other methods.
Tips for Maximizing Effectiveness
- Place the tape in strategic locations to maximize capture rates.
- Combine with other traps like wet cardboard or crumpled newspaper for better results.
- Regularly monitor and replace the tape to ensure continuous effectiveness.
Sticky tape traps are a simple yet effective way to create an insect barrier in your garden, helping to keep earwigs at bay.
6. Bright Light
Use Sodium Lights
Using sodium lights instead of regular lighting outdoors can help repel earwigs. Most light bulbs emit a blue wavelength that attracts bugs. Sodium lights, often used as grow lamps for seeding plants, emit a more yellow hue. Replace light bulbs on your porch or around your windows with sodium lightbulbs—purchase them at hardware stores or online.
Illuminate Your Garden
Earwigs are nocturnal creatures and are repelled by bright light. By illuminating your garden at night, you can create an less inviting environment to these pests. Consider using outdoor lighting solutions that provide a broad spectrum of light.
Strategic Placement
Place lights strategically around your garden to maximize their effectiveness. Focus on areas where earwigs are most likely to hide, such as under mulch, near compost bins, and around the base of plants. This will help to disrupt their natural habitat and deter them from settling in your garden.
Bright light can be an effective, non-toxic method to keep earwigs at bay, making your garden a more pleasant place to enjoy.
7. Crumpled Newspaper

Using crumpled newspaper is a traditional method to control earwigs in your garden. This technique is simple and cost-effective.
8. Nasturtium Flowers
Nasturtium flowers can be an effective way to manage earwig populations in your garden. Earwigs seem to love nasturtium flowers, making them an excellent sacrificial crop. By planting nasturtiums, you can attract earwigs to the flowers and, hopefully, not so much to your seedlings. This makes it easier to hunt for them and reduce their numbers when the time comes. Additionally, nasturtiums are edible and make an excellent ground cover, providing multiple benefits for your garden.
Sacrificial Crop
Using nasturtiums as a sacrificial crop can help protect your more valuable plants. The earwigs will be attracted to the flowers, allowing your seedlings to grow without being disturbed.
Edible and Beneficial
Nasturtiums are useful for pest control and are edible. They add a peppery flavor to salads and other dishes. Moreover, they make an excellent ground cover, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Planting nasturtiums can serve multiple purposes in your garden, from pest control to providing edible flowers and leaves.
9. Birds
Birds are natural predators of earwigs and can help keep their population under control in your garden. Attracting birds to your garden can be an effective and natural way to repel earwigs.
How to Attract Birds
- Install a bird feeder or bird bath to make the area appealing to them.
- Plant berry bushes or fruit trees to entice birds.
- Add a birdhouse to provide shelter and encourage nesting.
Benefits of Birds in Your Garden
- Birds help in controlling other pests as well, not just earwigs.
- Their presence and songs can add beauty and life to your garden.
Creating a bird-friendly environment can turn your garden into a natural pest control system, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
10. Granule Pesticides

Granule pesticides are an effective method for controlling earwig populations in your garden. These pesticides are easy to apply and provide long-lasting protection against various pests.
How They Work
Granule pesticides release active ingredients into the soil, which are then absorbed by pests like earwigs. This method ensures the pesticide reaches the pests directly, making it highly effective.
Application Tips
- Choose the Right Product: Look for products specifically designed to target earwigs. For example, Niban Granular Pest Control Insecticide Bait is a popular choice.
- Apply Evenly: Spread the granules evenly across the affected areas of your garden.
- Water Lightly: After application, water the area lightly to help the granules settle into the soil.
- Reapply as Needed: Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to reapply the granules every few weeks.
Safety Precautions
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and a mask when handling pesticides.
- Follow Instructions: Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.
- Keep Away from Children and Pets: Store pesticides in a safe place that is out of reach of children and pets.
Granule pesticides can be a powerful tool in your arsenal for learning how to repel pincher bugs effectively. However, always use them responsibly to protect your garden and the environment.
Conclusion
Repelling earwigs from your garden can be achieved through various methods, ranging from natural solutions to hands-on approaches like traps and pesticides. Maintaining a clean garden, using sacrificial crops, and employing traps or natural deterrents can effectively manage earwig populations without disrupting your garden’s ecosystem. Remember, the key is consistency and vigilance. Regularly check for signs of earwigs and take immediate action to prevent them from becoming a more significant problem. These top 10 tips allow you to enjoy a healthier, earwig-free garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective natural method to repel earwigs?
Using diatomaceous earth and boric acid are effective natural methods to repel earwigs. Both substances can be sprinkled in your garden to kill earwigs without harming the environment.
How does soapy water help in repelling earwigs?
Soapy water can be sprayed directly onto plants where earwigs are present. The soap in the water breaks down the earwigs’ exoskeleton, ultimately killing them.
What is the purpose of using wet cardboard in the garden?
Wet cardboard acts as a trap for earwigs. The earwigs are attracted to the dampness and hide in the cardboard. You can then dispose of the cardboard along with the trapped earwigs.
Can birds help in controlling the earwig population?
Yes, birds are natural predators of earwigs. By attracting birds to your garden, you can help reduce the earwig population naturally.
Are granule pesticides safe to use around pets and children?
Granule pesticides can effectively kill earwigs, but they should be used cautiously. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep pets and children away from treated areas.
Why are nasturtium flowers recommended for controlling earwigs?
Earwigs are attracted to nasturtium flowers, making them a good sacrificial crop. Planting nasturtiums can lure earwigs away from your other plants, helping to protect your garden.