How to Naturally Get Rid of Earwigs and Keep Them Away for Good

Get Rid of Earwigs: Earwigs, also known as pincher bugs, are small insects with scary-looking pincers at the back of their bodies. While they rarely harm humans, they can cause big trouble for plants, fruits, and flowers in your garden. These nocturnal pests feed on tender buds, young seedlings, and even ripening fruit, leaving behind ragged leaves and holes.

The good news is, you don’t need harsh chemicals to fight them. You can naturally get rid of earwigs using simple, safe, and effective methods right at home. In this guide, we’ll cover what earwigs are, how to spot them, and the best natural solutions to remove them and prevent their return.

What Are Earwigs?

Earwigs are small, flat-bodied insects that measure less than an inch in length. They are usually brown or black and have a pair of curved pincers at the end of their abdomen. Despite common myths, earwigs do not crawl into people’s ears or lay eggs inside. Instead, they prefer moist, dark areas like under rocks, mulch, firewood, or damp basements.

These insects are most active at night and are attracted to light. Outdoors, they hide in soil, mulch, or leaf litter, while indoors, they may sneak into bathrooms, kitchens, or basements looking for moisture.

Signs of an Earwig Problem

You may have earwigs if you notice:

• Irregular holes in leaves or petals of your plants.
• Chewed seedlings or fruit in the garden.
• Multiple earwigs indoors, especially in damp areas.
• Small black droppings around plant bases or corners.

If ignored, earwig populations can grow and cause damage to your plants and home environment. That’s why it’s important to act early and naturally get rid of earwigs before they spread.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Earwigs

Here are the most effective and eco-friendly ways to control earwigs without relying on harmful chemicals.

1. Reduce Moisture Around Your Home

Earwigs thrive in damp environments. To discourage them:

• Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and gutters.
• Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.
• Avoid overwatering plants and improve garden drainage.
• Keep firewood, mulch, and stones away from the foundation.

Dry conditions naturally push earwigs away since they cannot survive without moisture.

2. Use Homemade Traps

You can easily trap earwigs with items you already have at home.

• Newspaper Trap: Roll up a damp newspaper or cardboard, leave it in the garden overnight, and dispose of it in the morning.
• Oil Trap: Fill a shallow dish with vegetable oil and a few drops of soy sauce. Place it under sinks or near problem areas. Earwigs are attracted to the smell and drown in the oil.

These simple traps help naturally get rid of earwigs without chemicals.

3. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous Earth is a natural, non-toxic powder made from fossilized algae. Sprinkle it around entry points, garden beds, or any area where you see earwigs. DE dehydrates the pests when they come in contact with it. Best of all, it’s safe for kids, pets, and plants.

4. Repel Earwigs with Herbs and Scents

Strong smells are natural repellents for earwigs. You can plant or place:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Cinnamon sticks
• Eucalyptus leaves
• Neem oil sprays

These scents repel earwigs and keep your home smelling fresh at the same time.

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5. Attract Natural Predators

Earwigs have many natural enemies, including birds, toads, and certain beetles. Encourage these beneficial creatures by:

• Adding bird feeders and bird baths.
• Creating small garden ponds for frogs and toads.
• Avoiding chemical sprays that might harm natural predators.

A balanced ecosystem helps you naturally get rid of earwigs without much effort.

6. Make a DIY Bug Spray

Mix a few drops of dish soap with water and spray it directly on earwigs or their hiding places. Alternatively, use:

• Rubbing alcohol and water mix
• White vinegar and water spray

These sprays are safe, affordable, and effective against earwigs indoors and outdoors.

How to Prevent Earwigs from Coming Back

Eliminating earwigs once isn’t enough—you’ll want to stop them from returning. Here are key prevention tips:

• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations with caulk.
• Install weatherstripping to block entry points.
• Trim back dense vegetation near your home.
• Use yellow outdoor lights, which attract fewer insects than white bulbs.
• Clean up garden debris and avoid thick mulch layers where earwigs can hide.

By combining these prevention steps with natural remedies, you can ensure that earwigs won’t bother your plants or your home again.

Final Thoughts

While earwigs play a small role in the ecosystem, they can become destructive when their numbers grow. Thankfully, you don’t need harsh chemicals to fight them. From oil traps and Diatomaceous Earth to natural repellents and moisture control, there are many ways to naturally get rid of earwigs and protect your plants. With a little consistency, your home and garden can remain earwig-free all year round.

FAQs

Are earwigs harmful to humans?
No. Earwigs may pinch if threatened, but they rarely break the skin and are not poisonous.

Do earwigs help in the garden?
Yes. They feed on decaying matter and pests like aphids. However, too many earwigs can damage flowers, fruits, and seedlings.

Can earwigs infest my food or furniture?
No. Unlike cockroaches or ants, earwigs don’t infest stored food or furniture. They are mainly after plants and moist hiding spots.

What’s the fastest natural way to get rid of earwigs indoors?
Using an oil trap or a simple soap-water spray works quickly for indoor infestations.