How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your Home
Earwigs reproduce in large numbers and quickly establish large colonies. These small insects, distinguished by a set of small pincers at their tail ends, are generally harmless to humans but cause damage to plants. To get rid of earwigs, you must treat any opening that an earwig could possibly get through with an insecticide or homemade remedy. Even if the earwig problem is inside, you should also treat the exterior of your home to keep the pests from coming back. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Insecticide or boric acid
- Earwig traps
- Empty tuna can
- Vegetable oil
- Newspaper
- Rubber band
- Gravel
- Bird feeders
Instructions
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Spray an insecticide or sprinkle boric acid in the earwigs' path of travel. Consider applying the powder or insecticide around windowsills, door frames and vents. Service Magic recommends spraying a chemical called esfenvalerate mixed with water to kill earwigs crawling through these areas.
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Place earwig traps in areas where you've noticed the insects, such as kitchen or bathroom cabinets or in your planters. You can also make natural earwig traps out of vegetable oil and newspaper. Fill an empty tuna can one-quarter full with vegetable oil. Place the can in a flower pot. Earwigs are attracted to the oil, climb in the can and are unable to climb out. Another option is to roll newspaper, secure it with a rubber band and then soak the rolled newspaper with water. Place the newspaper any place you notice earwig damage. Invading earwigs hide deep inside the paper. Pick the traps up each morning and throw them away.
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Remove any debris, leaf or log piles from the perimeter of your home. Earwigs prefer to nest in damp, dark places and use debris piles like these as nests.
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Lay gravel or stones around the foundation of the home. The stones help with drain water and keep the area dry. Earwigs do not want to nest in a dry area.
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Place bird feeders around the home or near any earwig nest. Birds attracted to the feeders also feed on the earwigs.
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References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
