How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House Fast?

Earwigs can be creepy with their pincers, but they aren’t too hard to get rid of. If you’re tired of spotting them in your house, keep reading. This guide will teach you how to get rid of earwigs fast. Use simple steps to eliminate these pests and keep them out for good.

What Attracts Earwigs to Your House? 

Before we talk about solutions, it’s important to know why earwigs come inside. They look for places that are damp, dark, and full of food. Moisture, decaying plants, and small cracks in your home are like a welcome mat for them.

Here are the Steps to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House

Step 1: Reduce Moisture and Food Sources 

Earwigs love wet places. Start by getting rid of standing water and other damp areas. 

• Fix leaky faucets and pipes. 
• Clean gutters and improve drainage around your house. 
• Clear away decaying leaves, grass clippings, and mulch that can attract earwigs to your yard. 
• Keep firewood and piles of debris far from your house. 

These steps will make your home less inviting to earwigs. 

Step 2: Seal Entry Points 

Earwigs sneak into your house through tiny openings. Block their entry by sealing cracks and gaps. 

• Use caulk to fill cracks in your walls, foundation, and around windows. 
• Apply weatherstripping to seal doors tightly. 
• Check window and door screens for holes and fix them to keep bugs out. 

Step 3: Use Traps to Catch Earwigs 

Traps are an easy and effective way to remove earwigs. Try these simple traps at home: 

1. Soy Sauce Trap 

• Mix soy sauce and oil in a small container. 
• Place the container in your home. Earwigs will crawl in, attracted by the smell, and get stuck. 

2. Light and Soap Trap 

• Put a light over a bowl of soapy water. 
• The light attracts earwigs, and the soapy water kills them. 

3. Rolled Cardboard Trap 

• Roll up damp cardboard or newspaper. Earwigs will hide inside. The next morning, throw it away. Read our latest post on Fruit Flies vs Gnats: How to Tell the Difference in 2025

Step 4: Use Natural Repellents 

If traps aren’t enough, natural repellents can help. 

• Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that dehydrates and kills earwigs. Sprinkle it around your plants or where earwigs are active. 
• Essential oils like cinnamon, peppermint, or lavender can repel earwigs. Spray them around your home. 
• Mix rubbing alcohol and water to spray earwigs directly. 
• A solution of dish soap and water can also kill earwigs on contact. 

Step 5: Try Chemical Control (If Needed) 

If nothing else works, chemicals might be the solution. Always follow the label instructions carefully. 

• Earwig bait stations are a good choice for severe infestations. Place them where earwigs are most active, like basements or garages. 
• Use insecticides specifically made for earwigs. Spray them around your home’s foundation or trouble areas. 

For a big infestation, consider calling a professional pest control service. Read more Fungus Gnats vs Fruit Flies: How to Tell the Difference in 2025

Final Words

If you follow these steps, you’ll know how to get rid of earwigs fast and keep them away. Fix leaks, seal gaps, and use traps or repellents to keep your house earwig-free. Follow Us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for the latest updates.

FAQs 

What is the quickest way to get rid of earwigs? 

Set traps like soy sauce or light traps. Fix leaks and seal entry points to stop more from coming in. 

Why do I suddenly have earwigs in my house? 

Earwigs come indoors when it’s wet outside, or they find food or shelter inside. Cracks in your home make it easy for them to enter. 

What attracts earwigs? 

Moisture, decaying plants, and dark spaces attract earwigs. 

Do earwigs bite humans? 

Earwigs don’t bite or sting, but they might pinch if they feel threatened. 

How can I make an earwig trap? 

Mix soy sauce and oil in a shallow container, or place damp rolled-up cardboard where earwigs hide.

Do coffee grounds repel earwigs? 

No, coffee grounds are not helpful for repelling these bugs. 

Will earwigs climb into your bed? 

No, earwigs prefer damp areas like basements and bathrooms. They won’t come into your bed unless the room has high moisture levels. 

How do I repel earwigs naturally? 

Use diatomaceous earth, essential oils, or a rubbing alcohol and water spray to reduce earwig activity.