How to Get Rid of Earwigs

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Earwigs, or pincher bugs, can be a nuisance but it is possible to get rid of them. These bugs are relatively harmless, but they will feast on plant leaves and decaying wood, causing damage. Earwigs thrive in damp conditions, either in your garden or in musty corners of your home. Target these pests directly with natural or chemical killers, and prevent them from coming back by safeguarding your home and garden.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Killing Earwigs

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Fill a spray bottle with warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap and shake the mixture gently until it is soapy. Spray the leaves of your plant to kill earwigs, as well as damp corners of your home or garden where you have spotted the bugs. [1]
    • Do this whenever you spot earwigs in or around your home.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pour equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water into a spray bottle. Spray earwigs directly as you see them. The alcohol can penetrate the earwig's waxy coat of armour and kill it immediately. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Boric acid powder is a natural insecticide that kills earwigs on contact. Sprinkle the powder in spots that earwigs are likely to crawl through it, like alongside baseboards. Be sure to keep boric acid powder away from children and pets, who may be harmed if they come in contact with it. [3]
    • Buy boric acid at hardware stores or online.
    • Use as much boric acid as you need as long as it remains out of reach of infants and animals.
    • Boric acid powder can also be sprinkled around wood piles or in damp corners in your garden to target earwigs.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-4.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Fill a bucket with 4 parts warm water and 1-part dish soap and stir the mixture until it is foamy. Place the bucket outside with a lamp shining onto the surface of the soapy water. Earwigs will be drawn to the light and drown in the bucket. [4]
    EXPERT TIP

    Scott McCombe

    Pest Control Specialist
    Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.
    Scott McCombe
    Pest Control Specialist

    Our Expert Agrees: To kill earwigs, use glue traps, light traps, or targeted applications of dust, liquid, or aerosol insecticides.

  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pour equal parts soy sauce and olive or vegetable oil in a plastic container. Make holes in the lid that are about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) in diameter and cover the plastic container. The smell of the mixture will attract the earwigs and they'll crawl in and drown. [5]
    • The container should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) full.
    • If you are putting the trap in your garden, bury the container in the ground up to the lid.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Deal with numerous earwigs concentrated in one area by capturing them with a vacuum cleaner. Suck up as many earwigs as you can and scour the area with the vacuum to try to collect any eggs that might be there. Dispose of the vacuum bag if possible or empty the vacuum into a bucket of soapy water to kill the earwigs. [6]
    • Prepare the vacuum before approaching the bugs to prevent them from scattering.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Birds are natural predators of earwigs. Attract birds to your garden by installing a bird feeder or bird bath to make the area appealing to them. You can also try planting berry bushes or fruit trees to entice birds. [7]
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Apply an earwig pesticide about 6–10 feet (1.8–3.0 m) away from your home. There are numerous granule pesticides specifically formulated to kill earwigs. Apply one of these pesticides around the surface of your lawn and garden, leaving 6–10 feet (1.8–3.0 m) from the foundation of your home untouched. Spray your lawn with water immediately after applying the pesticide to help it seep into the ground where earwigs often lay eggs. [8]
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Keeping Earwigs Out of Your Home and Garden

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Earwigs can gain access to your home by way of tiny entry points on your window screens. Use superglue to patch up any small holes and tears on your screens . Fix any gaps that are bigger than 1 inch (2.5 cm) by gluing on patches of screen material using a strong adhesive. [9]
    • If your screen is very damaged, replace it entirely to prevent pests from entering your home.
    EXPERT TIP

    Scott McCombe

    Pest Control Specialist
    Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.
    Scott McCombe
    Pest Control Specialist

    Taking steps around the outside of your home can help keep earwigs out. Remove any leaf litter or organic debris from around your home, and switch to an inorganic mulch like stone or recycled rubber. In addition, reduce or remove as many moisture sources from around as possible., and seal any visible entryways with screen, caulk, or expanding foam. Applying a pesticide around the perimeter of your foundation and a few feet out can be very effective at curbing earwig populations, as well.

  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Fill in cracks and holes near entrances to your house with caulk . Earwigs are likely to gain access to your home through gaps around your doorways or windows. Use a caulking gun to fill in small gaps in these areas. Do this yearly to avoid unwanted pests from entering. [10]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Fix leaking faucets or drains in and around your house. Dampness is the ideal condition for earwigs to live and reproduce. Prevent this condition by checking your water sources in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and outdoors to make sure that there are no leaks. Fix leaking pipes on your own or call a plumber for assistance. [11]
    EXPERT TIP

    Scott McCombe

    Pest Control Specialist
    Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.
    Scott McCombe
    Pest Control Specialist

    Our Expert Agrees: Earwigs are drawn to moisture, so inside your home, try to maintain a controlled humidity of less than 60%. To do this, fix any leaks, water proof your home, and use a dehumidifier in humid conditions.

  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid362702-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Earwigs-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most light bulbs emit a blue wavelength that attracts bugs. Sodium lights, which are 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 light bulbs. [12]
    • Purchase sodium lightbulbs at hardware stores or online.
    5. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • Plant leaves damaged by earwigs will look jagged and be full of holes. You may also see black earwig excrement on the leaves.
        Thanks
        Helpful 28 Not Helpful 2
      • Expect more earwigs during particularly rainy seasons.
        Thanks
        Helpful 22 Not Helpful 2
      • Check any items that you bring indoors from your garden to avoid transporting earwigs into your home.
        Thanks
        Helpful 21 Not Helpful 3
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Rid of Ground Digger Wasps (Cicada Killers) from Your Lawn
      How to
      Swat a Fly Without a Fly Swatter
      How to
      Kill a Cricket that's Loose in Your House
      How to
      Make a Wasp Trap
      How to
      Get Rid of Common House Geckos
      How to
      Remove Ladybugs from Your Home and Yard
      How to
      Remove & Kill Asian Lady Beetles (Plus, How to Keep Them Away)
      The Best Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home
      How to
      Identify Bed Bug Droppings
      Do You Have Animals in Your Walls? Dealing with Animals in Your Walls or Attic
      How to
      Kill Roaches with Borax or Boric Acid
      How to
      Know if You Have Dust Mites
      How to
      Drive Away Gnats for Good: Easy DIY Methods
      The Best Ways to Get Rid of Silverfish Once and for All
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-earwigs/
      2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/get-rid-of-earwigs/
      3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/get-rid-of-earwigs/
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-earwigs/
      5. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/get-rid-of-earwigs/
      6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-earwigs/
      7. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/get-rid-of-earwigs/
      8. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/earwigs.html
      9. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/get-rid-of-earwigs/
      1. ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/earwigs
      2. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/earwigs
      3. ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/earwigs

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get rid of earwigs in your home, make a trap by filling a bowl or bucket with soapy water and placing it next to a bright light at night. Earwigs are attracted to bright lights, and they’ll drown when they crawl into the soapy water. You can also mix olive oil and soy sauce in a bowl to make a trap. Place it near where you’ve seen earwigs. They’ll be attracted to the smell and die when they fall into the bowl. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth over areas where you’ve seen earwigs. Diatomaceous earth is a natural insecticide that will kill earwigs on contact. To prevent more earwigs from getting into your home, fix any window screen holes, and seal cracks and gaps around the perimeter of your home with caulk. Remove any sources of excess moisture in and around your home since earwigs seek out moist areas. Clear mulch and dead vegetation from the perimeter of your home so earwigs don’t have easy access to shelter and food. To get rid of earwigs in your garden, crumple up wet newspaper and leave it in your garden overnight. The damp paper will attract earwigs. Toss out the crumpled newspaper with the earwigs inside the next day. Alternatively, push small cans into the soil around your garden and fill them with an oil, like fish oil. The oil will attract earwigs, and they’ll drown when they fall in. Dig up the cans and toss them out once they’re full. For more tips, including how to keep earwigs out, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,886,948 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        May 27, 2016

        "The tip about the oil traps was a huge help. On another website someone suggested adding a few drops of soy sauce ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement