How to get rid of earwigs: A comprehensive guide

Key points

• Earwigs are small insects with pincer-like appendages. They can infest homes and gardens.

• Infestation signs include increased earwigs indoors, unexplained plant damage, and eggs or shed skins.

• Control earwigs naturally with essential oils and simple traps, or chemically with insecticides.

Seeing an earwig scurry across your floor is enough to give you shivers. But before reaching for the nearest shoe or bug spray, take a moment to understand what you’re dealing with and how to tackle these pincer-waving pests.

Earwigs are small insects known for their distinctive pincers at the end of their abdomens. Scientifically named Dermaptera, they have slender, elongated bodies and are typically dark brown or black. Originally from Europe, they’re now found worldwide in gardens, forests and urban settings.

Fortunately, earwigs are more of a nuisance than a threat. Some of the most common signs of an earwig infestation — besides visible activity — are nibbled leaves on your beloved houseplants or earwig eggs in the corners of your living room.

There are indoor and outdoor control measures you can take to get rid of earwigs in your home. Learn how combining natural remedies with chemical treatments (and possibly the help of a pest control expert) can give these creepy pests the boot.

Are earwigs dangerous?

Earwigs may look intimidating, but they’re harmless to humans. “Though they look menacing, they are not. There is no sting, no venom,” said Richard Kane, founder and owner of Pest Prep NYC.

But what about those pincers? While they’re not just for show, they’re not strong enough to hurt you. Earwigs use their pincers to defend themselves and capture prey, mainly other insects, including sowbugs, mites and aphids, and organic matter such as dead leaves. 

During the day, earwigs hide in dark, moist places and come out at night to feed. While earwigs aren’t known to cause extensive property damage, most homeowners feel their presence indoors is far from welcome.

What are the common signs of an earwig infestation?

When pincher bugs decide to make themselves at home, they’ll usually leave a few signs of their presence. Here’s how to spot earwig infestations.

Sudden presence of earwigs in your home

Are you suddenly finding earwigs inside your home, especially in areas such as the bathroom, kitchen or basement? According to Kane, earwigs prefer dark, damp environments, making these spaces ideal hiding spots. While one or two earwigs may not be overly concerning, a sudden influx can suggest an infestation.

Plant damage

Earwigs feed on various plants, including vegetables, flowers and ornamentals. Discovering damage on your living room ficus or kitchen fern, such as nibbled leaves or stems, could signal an earwig infestation.

Earwig eggs or shed skins

Clusters of small, white earwig eggs or translucent, reddish-brown shed skins found in crevices or cracks around your home are another sign of an infestation. Shed skins resemble miniature replicas of adult earwigs.

Unpleasant odor

When earwigs congregate in large numbers, the smell can be particularly pungent. Their secretions and waste products cause this unpleasant odor. If you can’t seem to pinpoint a strange smell in your home and have been noticing more earwigs than usual, there may be a connection to investigate.

What are the best techniques to prevent earwigs?

Preventing earwig infestations requires both outdoor and indoor strategies. The following proactive measures will reduce the likelihood of earwigs invading your home.

How to prevent earwigs outdoors

One of the best ways to deter earwigs is to make your outdoor environment less hospitable. Here’s how:

• Modify your landscaping: Make your outdoor area less appealing to earwigs. Try planting alyssum or dill, which repel earwigs. You can also keep earwigs out of your garden by installing gravel or mulch barriers.
• Eliminate hiding places: Remove weeds, leaves and dense vegetation around your house where earwigs like to hide. Also, trim bushes and shrubs and mow the grass short.
• Remove clutter: Clean your outdoor area to discourage earwigs from congregating near your home. Remove wood piles, rocks, gardening equipment or unused flowerpots where earwigs may hide during the day.

How to prevent earwigs indoors

If earwigs in your home are causing you trouble, try the following steps to see them out:

• Seal entry points: Inspect your home for potential entry points where earwigs could gain access. Take an especially close look around windows, doors, baseboards, pipes and vents, sealing any cracks or crevices with caulk or weather stripping.
• Ensure proper ventilation: Earwigs prefer moist environments, so using exhaust fans to reduce humidity levels throughout your home can help create an environment less conducive to infestation. Pay attention to common damp areas, such as bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces and kitchens.
• Avoid pooling and puddles: Minimize moisture buildup indoors by fixing leaks in faucets or other plumbing fixtures. If your gutters are damaged, repair or replace them and ensure proper drainage around your home’s foundation. 

Are there natural remedies for earwig control?

There are several natural remedies that help control earwig infestations without pesticides or harsh chemicals.

• Diatomaceous earth: This natural substance — made from the fossilized remains of sea-dwelling organisms called diatoms — effectively eliminates earwigs. It most often comes in the form of a dust containing tiny, sharp particles that penetrate the earwig’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death. To use, sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around your home’s perimeter or in areas where earwigs are active. Note that this product can be harmful to humans if inhaled, causing cough and shortness of breath. It can also cause skin irritation.
• Neem oil: Neem oil disrupts the earwigs’ feeding and reproductive cycles. It acts as a natural deterrent without harming other beneficial insects or plants. To try this approach, apply a diluted solution of neem oil to plant leaves or affected areas indoors.
• Beer traps: Set up beer earwig traps by placing shallow containers filled with beer in your garden or near earwig activity areas indoors. Earwigs are attracted to the scent of beer and crawl into the traps, where they eventually drown. Just remember to regularly empty and refill the traps to maintain their effectiveness.
• Essential oils: Make a homemade earwig repellent spray by mixing essential oils such as peppermint, cinnamon or eucalyptus with water and a small amount of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray this solution around entry points, plant bases or other areas where earwigs are present to naturally deter them.
• Rolled-up newspaper: Roll up wet newspaper to catch earwigs seeking shelter in the dark, moist layers. The next day, simply pick up the newspaper rolls and dispose of them, earwigs included. This simple, eco-friendly method provides a nontoxic alternative for managing small-scale earwig infestations.

Are there chemical earwig control methods?

If natural remedies aren’t reducing your indoor earwig population, it may be time to try a chemical solution.

Insecticides for outdoor use are formulated to target pests in garden areas, in lawns and around the perimeter of homes. They include chemical treatments such as boric acid and pyrethroids. 

These products often come in spray or granule form. They provide targeted control while minimizing impact on nontarget organisms and the environment. If you opt for outdoor insecticides, consider combining chemical control with preventive measures and natural remedies for long-term effectiveness in managing earwig populations.

Meanwhile, indoor chemical treatments such as sprays and baits can effectively eliminate earwigs from the home with quick results.

When should you seek professional pest control?

When home remedies and chemical solutions aren’t cutting it, consider calling a pest control company. Experts can be especially helpful for widespread or persistent earwig infestations.

Before hiring a pest control service, ask about its experience, methods and guarantees. Take time to do your research and vet all your options. If you’re dealing with other pests, too, a general pest control treatment might be a good investment.

What’s next?

Once an earwig infestation is under control, follow up with ongoing maintenance. Make sure to regularly do the following:

• Check and seal any gaps or openings where earwigs could enter your home.
• Clean and declutter indoor areas to remove potential earwig hiding spots and food sources.
• Fix leaks, improve ventilation and use dehumidifiers to keep indoor areas dry and less attractive to earwigs.
• Look for signs of earwig activity and promptly address any issues to prevent infestations from recurring.

Long-term success in managing earwig populations depends on regular maintenance and vigilance. Remember, if an infestation persists or becomes overwhelming, seek professional assistance. Pest control experts can assess the situation and devise customized solutions to rid your home of earwigs once and for all.