Earwigs are tiny insects that can be a big nuisance in your home. They might look scary with their pincers, but they are mostly harmless to people. However, having them around is still not ideal. Understanding what attracts earwigs is the first step in keeping them out of your house. They usually get attracted to moisture, decaying organic matter, and hiding places like mulch, leaf litter, and dense vegetation. Let’s find out why these pests show up and how to get rid of them for good.
What Attracts Earwigs?
Earwigs are drawn to specific things around your home. Here are the main reasons:
1. Moisture
Earwigs love damp places. They hide in areas with leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or clogged gutters. Damp basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces are common spots for them. If you have soil that stays wet, that’s also a problem.
2. Damp Soil and Decaying Organic Matter
Earwigs prefer damp soil, and they love decaying leaves, mulch, and other plant materials. A messy garden filled with leaf litter and wet mulch is like a buffet for them.
3. Dark, Sheltered Spaces
They thrive in dark, secluded areas. They hide under rocks, in cracks in your house foundation, and inside woodpiles. These spaces provide both safety and moisture, which they need to survive. Read also Are Earwigs Dangerous or Poisonous to Humans and Dogs?
4. Food Sources
Earwigs are omnivores, meaning they eat many things. They feed on other small insects, fruits, flowers, and even crumbs left out in your home. Any organic debris lying around can attract them.
5. Exterior Lighting
While earwigs aren’t directly drawn to lights, other insects are. The insects that flock to outdoor lights become an easy food source for them, indirectly inviting earwigs to your home.
By addressing these things, you can make your home less appealing to earwigs. Keeping things clean and dry is key. Follow Us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for the latest updates.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs
Now that you know what attracts earwigs, here’s how to kick them out and keep them away:
1. Reduce Moisture
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes in your home.
- Clean your gutters to prevent water buildup.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.
- Replace wet mulch with something drier, like gravel.
2. Remove Food and Hiding Spots
- Rake up fallen leaves and remove piles of decaying plant matter.
- Keep woodpiles and other debris away from your house.
- Declutter your basement, garage, or crawl spaces.
3. Seal Entry Points
- Check your house foundation for cracks and gaps. Seal them with caulk.
- Make sure doors and windows shut tightly. Repair or replace any damaged weatherstripping.
- Plug gaps around pipes and vents where earwigs might sneak in.
4. Set Up Traps
- Molasses or Corn Syrup Trap: Mix syrup with oil and salt. Place this mixture in a shallow dish where earwigs are active. They’ll crawl in and get stuck.
- Rolled Newspaper Trap: Roll up a damp newspaper and leave it overnight. The next morning, throw the newspaper (and trapped earwigs) outside.
- Oil and Soy Sauce Trap: A shallow dish with these ingredients can attract and trap earwigs.
5. Turn Off Outdoor Lights
If you reduce outdoor lights at night, fewer insects will gather, which means less food for earwigs.
6. Keep Your Garden Tidy
Trim bushes and trees near your home. Clear away any dead leaves and weeds regularly. Keeping things dry and neat will discourage earwigs.
7. Consider Professional Pest Control
If the infestation is severe, call a professional pest control service. They have effective solutions to eliminate house earwig problems thoroughly. Read more guides on Why Do I Have Earwigs in my House? How to Get Rid of Them in 2025
By following these tips, you can keep earwigs in your house under control.
Final Thoughts
Earwigs might seem creepy, but they’re easy to control when you understand what brings them in. Reduce moisture, keep your garden tidy, seal cracks, and set traps. For stubborn infestations, don’t hesitate to call in the pros!
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FAQs
What is the quickest way to get rid of earwigs?
The fastest way is to reduce moisture, use traps like sticky or oil traps, and clear away hiding spots like mulch or woodpiles.
What scent will keep earwigs away?
Earwigs dislike strong smells like lavender, tea tree oil, or eucalyptus. Spraying these oils around your home can help keep them away.
Why shouldn’t you kill an earwig?
Earwigs can be beneficial outdoors because they eat other pests like aphids. However, they’re unwanted indoors, so removal is best.
Why am I getting lots of earwigs in my house?
Excess moisture, cracks in your foundation, or outdoor debris near your home are often the reasons for having earwigs in house.
What are earwigs a warning of?
Earwigs might indicate that an area is too damp or filled with decaying plant matter. Controlling moisture and cleanliness can resolve the issue.
How long is earwig season?
Earwigs are most active in spring and summer, but they may still enter homes in colder months searching for shelter.
