How to Get Rid of Earwigs

Despite what your grandmother says, the earwig is not going to climb into your ear and eat your brains. They do like moist areas though, so the best thing to do is get rid of the earwigs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Earwigs are similar in size and appearance to a silverfish. They are around 1/2 inch to 1 inch long and live around moist areas such as near the foundation of a house, debris, and moss. They feed on insects and dead plant matter. They hide during the day in shady, moist places and migrate towards homes when it's hot and dry.
2. Earwigs do not multiply inside. The best way to control the earwig population is to manage the outside area. This can be done by cleaning up any areas where it's moist such as leaves and rotted wood.
3. Dust and powder insecticides that contain pyrothrins can be spread near the foundation of the house. Since the earwigs like to move indoors, make sure windows, doors, and cracks are sealed tightly. During the night, avoid lights near the windows and doors because they are attracted to light.
4. Inside the house, you can vacuum the earwigs. Make sure the vacuum is ready to go because they will scatter quickly. Consider sprinkling boric acid near baseboard. For a less harsh approach, use Borateam soap detergent.
5. If you want an insecticide free approach to ridding your home of earwigs, roll up newspapers. During the day, the earwigs will crawl into the papers. You can then dispose of them.

Tips & Warnings

• Contrary to rumor, earwigs are pretty harmless to adults and animals. They may bite, though. They are more a nuisance and nasty looking which may be why we don't like them around.