How to Kill Earwigs Indoors

Earwigs are particularly damaging to vegetable gardens but rarely cause property damage indoors.

Earwigs are common pests that are easily identifiable, thanks to the pronged appendage on their rear ends. These pests are devastating to seedling vegetable gardens and flowerbeds, though they rarely cause any property damage indoors. Earwigs come indoors when weather conditions outdoors are less than hospitable. When earwigs invade a building or home, the best way to get rid of them is to trap them.

Things You'll Need

• Low-sided cans
• Fish or vegetable oil
• Bacon grease

Instructions

1. Obtain several low-sided cans. The best cans to use for earwig traps are tuna fish cans. The sides are low enough that the earwigs are able to climb in, but cause them to become trapped once inside. Cat food cans also work well.

2. Pour ½ inch of oil into the bottom of the can. The best oils to use are fish oil or vegetable oil, as these are particularly attractive to earwigs. If using vegetable oil, adding a drop or two of bacon grease to the oil makes it particularly attractive. The oil not only attracts the earwigs but also prevents them from being able to crawl back out of the can.

3. Place the cans in areas where earwigs have been seen, both indoors and out. The more traps that are set, the more likely it is that earwigs are going to be caught.

4. Empty the cans daily and replace the older oil with fresh oil. Continue this process until earwigs are no longer being captured. It is important that any earwigs alive in the trap are killed before disposing in order to prevent them from coming back. This is accomplished by mashing them in between two sheets of paper towels or stepping on them.

Tips & Warnings

• Seal any cracks or other entry points to prevent any new earwigs from finding their way indoors.

• Encourage natural predators in vegetable gardens. These include toads and birds.

• Remove any excess vegetation and other debris to prevent them from nesting near the home or other structure.

• The use of pesticides to kill earwigs sometimes has unwanted consequences for children and household pets. It is important to try to avoid the use of pesticides wherever possible.

References

• UC Davis: How to Manage Pests: Earwigs