Earwigs are creepy-looking pests that can easily make any homeowner uncomfortable. With their long, slender bodies and forceps-like pincers, they might look dangerous, but earwigs are mostly harmless to humans. However, their presence indoors can signal moisture problems and lead to damage in gardens or potted plants. If you’re noticing an increasing number of these nocturnal bugs in your home, you’re likely dealing with an earwig infestation.
Understanding what attracts earwigs to your home and how to eliminate them effectively can help you regain peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about identifying, preventing, and removing earwigs from your property.
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are insects from the order Dermaptera, identifiable by their elongated bodies and distinctive pincers (also known as cerci) at the end of their abdomens. While they might appear threatening, earwigs do not pose serious threats to humans or pets. They do not spread disease and rarely bite.
However, these pests can still be a nuisance. Earwigs are drawn to damp, dark areas and may feed on decaying organic matter, plants, and even other insects. In gardens, they can damage young seedlings and soft fruit. Indoors, their presence often indicates a humidity or moisture issue.
What Attracts Earwigs?
If you’re wondering what attracts earwigs in the first place, the answer usually lies in your environment. Earwigs are moisture-loving pests. They’re attracted to:
- Damp or humid conditions
- Leaf piles, mulch, or rotting wood
- Overwatered gardens or lawns
- Cracks and crevices near the foundation
- Dark, undisturbed areas like basements, bathrooms, and under sinks
Because earwigs are nocturnal, they’re often hidden during the day and become active at night. This makes infestations easy to overlook until the population grows larger.
Signs of an Earwig Infestation
Identifying an earwig infestation early is the key to controlling it. Here are a few common signs to look out for:
- Frequent sightings: Seeing earwigs crawling in your bathroom, basement, or kitchen, especially at night, is the most obvious sign.
- Plant damage: If you notice irregular holes in leaves or flower petals, earwigs could be feeding on your garden.
- Pest trails: Since earwigs prefer moist environments, check damp areas such as under potted plants, mulch beds, and garden debris for clusters of earwigs.
Tips to Eliminate and Prevent Earwigs
Once you suspect or confirm an infestation, it’s time to take action. Use these proven strategies to get rid of earwigs and prevent them from coming back.
1. Reduce Moisture Around the Home
Since earwigs thrive in damp environments, the first step in prevention is addressing moisture issues:
- Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and clogged drains
- Use a dehumidifier in humid areas like basements
- Improve ventilation in bathrooms and crawl spaces
- Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation
2. Eliminate Outdoor Harborage Areas
Yard debris, leaf piles, and heavy mulch are ideal nesting grounds for earwigs. Clean up the outdoor areas around your home:
- Rake up leaves and dead vegetation
- Keep mulch and wood piles at least 6–12 inches away from your foundation
- Trim vegetation that touches your home’s exterior
- Store firewood off the ground and away from the structure
3. Seal Entry Points
Earwigs can easily squeeze into homes through small cracks and gaps. Seal any potential entry points:
- Apply caulk around windows, doors, and utility pipes
- Replace damaged weather stripping and door sweeps
- Check for cracks in the foundation and seal them
4. Use Natural Earwig Traps
If you’re dealing with a minor infestation, homemade traps can help reduce the population:
- Rolled-up newspaper: Dampen it slightly and place it in earwig-prone areas overnight. In the morning, dispose of the paper with the earwigs inside.
- Oil and soy sauce trap: Fill a small container with equal parts soy sauce and vegetable oil. Bury it level with the soil in your garden. Earwigs are attracted to the scent and will drown in the liquid.
These traps can help monitor activity and capture individual pests but are not always effective for severe infestations.
5. Apply Barrier Treatments
Outdoor chemical barriers can help keep earwigs from entering your home. Look for insecticides specifically labeled for earwigs and apply them around the perimeter of your home, especially near cracks, vents, doors, and window sills.
However, for a more targeted and safe approach, professional treatments from a trusted pest control service are often the best solution.
6. Contact a Professional Pest Control Service
If the infestation persists or you’re unsure how to treat the problem effectively, it’s time to call in the professionals. A licensed technician can inspect your home, identify the root of the infestation, and apply eco-friendly treatments to eliminate the issue safely.
Hiring local experts for pest control Hackettstown ensures that treatments are customized for the unique environmental conditions of the area.
Why Fast Action Matters
Although earwigs aren’t dangerous, the longer you wait to address the infestation, the more difficult it becomes to control. Moist environments that are attractive to earwigs can also invite other pests such as silverfish, centipedes, and cockroaches. Taking proactive steps now helps prevent larger pest issues down the road.
When to Seek Help from the Pros
If you’ve tried natural methods or DIY traps and are still seeing earwigs in your home, it may be time for professional assistance. Experts will assess the full extent of the infestation and apply safe, science-based treatments that target the pests at their source.
Professional pest control services offer long-term prevention by addressing both the pests and their hiding places. This ensures you not only get rid of the problem but keep it from coming back.
About PermaKill Exterminating
At PermaKill Exterminating, we specialize in eliminating pests with precision, care, and an eco-friendly approach. We understand that pests like earwigs can disrupt your comfort and compromise your property, which is why we offer tailored treatment plans designed to fit your unique needs. Based in Northern New Jersey, we provide expert pest control Hackettstown NJ and surrounding areas.
As a locally owned and family-operated company, we take pride in delivering trustworthy service with a personal touch. We use scientifically tested, pet-safe products and educate our customers on every step of the process. Whether you need a one-time treatment or ongoing protection, we’re committed to keeping your home pest-free.
