Introduction
Earwigs, despite their name and appearance, do not actually crawl into people’s ears. However, they can still be a nuisance in your home and garden. Earwigs are small, reddish-brown insects with pincers on their back-end. They feed on plants, insects, and decaying matter, and can quickly infest your home or garden if not controlled. In this article, we’ll explore different natural remedies, DIY traps, expert recommendations and tips on how to get rid of earwigs effectively.
10 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your Home
If you’re looking for a natural, chemical-free way to get rid of earwigs in your home, there are several options available:
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where earwigs are known to congregate. This powder-like substance is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, and it has sharp edges that cut into the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dry out and die.
- Citrus oil: Mix equal parts of water and citrus oil, such as orange or lemon, in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture in areas where earwigs are found. The strong smell of citrus will keep earwigs away.
- Boric Acid: Sprinkle boric acid in areas where earwigs are found. This substance works in the same way as diatomaceous earth, by having sharp edges that cut into insects.
- Essential Oils: Peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil are natural insect repellents. Mix 10 drops of any of these oils with water and spray in areas where earwigs are found.
- Garlic: Crush garlic cloves and mix with water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture in areas where earwigs are found.
- Cedar Oil: Cedar oil is a natural insect repellent. Mix 10 drops of cedar oil with water and spray in areas where earwigs are found.
- Beer Traps: Fill a shallow container with beer and leave it overnight in the area where earwigs are found. Earwigs will crawl into the container and drown.
- Cornmeal Traps: Place a small container filled with cornmeal in areas where earwigs are found. Earwigs will eat the cornmeal, but they won’t be able to digest it, which will eventually kill them.
- Soy Sauce Traps: Place a small container filled with soy sauce in areas where earwigs are found. Earwigs will be attracted to the smell and crawl into the container, where they will drown.
- Vacuum: Vacuum up earwigs with a vacuum cleaner. Be sure to dispose of the bag or empty the canister immediately after use to prevent the earwigs from crawling back out.
5 Simple Steps to Prevent Earwigs from Infesting Your Garden
Earwigs can be a common problem in gardens and can cause damage to plants. Here are five simple steps to prevent earwigs from infesting your garden:
- Remove debris: Clear away any debris, such as leaves and fallen branches, from the garden area. Earwigs like to hide in dark, damp places, so removing debris will help to keep them away.
- Keep the garden dry: Earwigs are attracted to moisture. Avoid over-watering plants and make sure the soil has proper drainage.
- Use diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the garden. This substance will cut the exoskeleton of the earwigs and cause them to dry out and die.
- Keep the garden clean: Keep the garden area clean and tidy. Remove dead plants and debris, and keep the area well-maintained.
- Use deterrents: Plant deterrents such as basil and mint around the garden. The strong smells of these plants will act as a natural repellent for earwigs.
How to Create a DIY Earwig Trap and Eliminate Them for Good
If natural remedies aren’t working or aren’t feasible for your situation, a DIY earwig trap may be the solution. Here’s how to create an effective trap:
- Materials: You will need a tall container, such as a coffee can, masking tape, and vegetable oil.
- Create the trap: Wrap the masking tape around the perimeter of the container, leaving a small gap. Place the container in an area where earwigs are found.
- Add the oil: Pour vegetable oil into the container, filling it about 1/4 of the way. The oil will trap the earwigs and prevent them from climbing out of the container.
- Empty the trap: Check the trap daily and empty it as needed. Dispose of the earwigs and refill the container with new oil.
The Truth about Earwig Behavior and How to Use It to Your Advantage
Earwigs are nocturnal and are most active at night. They prefer damp, dark places, so they may be found in areas such as under rocks, leaves, and other debris. Here are some tips on how to take advantage of earwig behavior to control their population:
- Use light: Earwigs are attracted to light. Place a light trap in the area where earwigs are found and it will lure them in, leaving you with a concentrated area for treatment.
- Seal entry points: Earwigs often enter homes through cracks and crevices. Seal these entry points to prevent them from coming indoors.
- Use traps: Place traps in areas where earwigs are found. Traps can be used indoors and outdoors to catch earwigs and prevent them from reproducing.
- Remove hiding places: Clear away debris, leaves, and other hiding places from your garden and yard. This will reduce the number of places where earwigs can congregate.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Rid of Earwigs
When trying to get rid of earwigs, there are some common mistakes that people make. Here are five mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much pesticide: Using too much pesticide is harmful to both your health and the environment. Instead, opt for natural remedies or less-toxic commercial products.
- Leaving standing water: Earwigs are attracted to moisture, so leaving standing water around your home or garden will attract them. Remove standing water and make sure to fix any leaks.
- Not sealing entry points: Earwigs often enter the home through cracks and crevices. Seal these entry points to prevent them from coming inside.
- Ignoring decaying matter: Earwigs are attracted to decaying matter such as composting piles and dead leaves. Remove or relocate these matter away from where earwigs are an issue.
- Not following instructions: Always follow the instructions of any products or remedies that you use to get rid of earwigs. Using too much or too little can be ineffective or harmful.
Experts Weigh In: The Most Effective Commercial Products for Earwig Control
For those looking for a commercial product to get rid of earwigs, here are some of the most effective recommendations from experts:
- Ortho Bug-Geta Plus Snail, Slug & Insect Killer: This product can be used in gardens and on lawns to control earwigs as well as slugs and snails.
- Bonide’s Insect & Grub: This product can be used for outdoor use and effectively controls many insects, including earwigs and aphids.
- Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer: This product is designed for lawns and outdoor areas. Its effective formula can kill over 260 types of insects, including earwigs.
- Rose Rx 3-In-1: Meant for roses, this formula can control pests like earwigs and blackspot fungus.
- Catchmaster Sticky Traps: These sticky traps can be placed around the house or garden to catch earwigs and other insects.
Conclusion
Earwigs can be a challenge to get rid of, but with the right strategy and approach, it can be successfully done. Natural remedies, DIY traps, deterrents, helpful habits and commercial products are some of the most effective means to achieve this. Before making any decisions, always make sure to consider the health of your family, pets, and the environment. By following this advice and the tips in this article, you can get rid of earwigs and keep them away from your home and garden.
Please remember: Always check the safety precautions before using any chemicals or commercial products in your home and garden. If unsure about how to use these products or if the infestation proves to be beyond your control, seek assistance from pest control professionals.
