If you’re spotting earwigs crawling around your home, you might be wondering, “Why are there earwigs in my house?” These small insects are usually outdoor creatures, but they can sneak into homes when conditions are just right. Understanding why they invade and knowing how to prevent and treat them is key to keeping them out.
What Attracts Earwigs to Your House?
Earwigs are drawn to places where they can find food, water, and shelter. Here’s why you might see so many earwigs in your house:
1. Moisture
Earwigs love damp, dark spots. Bathrooms, basements, and under sinks are perfect hiding spots for them. Outdoor conditions like wet soil or high humidity can also drive them inside.
2. Food Sources
These pests are omnivores. They eat decaying plants, fruit, and even smaller insects. If you have a garden or compost pile near your house, they might be finding plenty to eat.
3. Entry Points
Earwigs can crawl in through cracks, crevices, and gaps around doors and windows. They even sneak in through vents or small holes in your foundation.
4. Accidental Entry
Sometimes, earwigs come indoors on firewood, plants, or boxes. They may hitch a ride without you even noticing.
How to Prevent Earwigs
To keep earwigs out, you’ll need to make your home less appealing to them. These prevention tips will help:
1. Reduce Moisture
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets.Â
- Use a dehumidifier in damp rooms like the basement.Â
- Make sure your foundation has good drainage to avoid pooling water.Â
2. Seal Entry Points
- Caulk cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and around doors or windows.Â
- Replace torn window screens.Â
- Install or repair weatherstripping and door sweeps.Â
3. Eliminate Food Sources
- Rake away leaves and mulch near your house.Â
- Keep compost piles far from your home.Â
- Clean up food spills and store food in airtight containers.Â
How to Treat an Earwig Problem
If earwigs in your house are becoming a common sight, these solutions can help:
1. Use Traps
- Set up simple traps using a shallow dish filled with beer or a mix of water and yeast. Earwigs will crawl in and drown.Â
2. Try Natural Repellents
- Mix vinegar or citrus oil with water and spray it near entry points.Â
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around outdoor areas to keep them from getting inside.Â
3. Professional Pest Control
Persistent infestations might need the help of professionals. They can safely and effectively eliminate earwigs. Read our latest post on Where Do Gnats Come From in the House? Prevention and Treatment Tips
Causes, Prevention, and Treatment at a Glance
| Aspect | Causes | Prevention | Treatment |
| Moisture | Leaks, damp areas, poor drainage | Fix leaks, use dehumidifiers, ensure drainage | Dehumidify and dry out entry points |
| Food Sources | Decaying plants, crumbs, compost | Clean food spills, clear garden debris | Remove food, clean areas where earwigs gather |
| Entry Points | Cracks, gaps, vents, open windows | Caulk cracks, seal gaps, repair screens | Use traps and repellents |
| Accidental | Firewood, boxes, potted plants brought indoors | Inspect items before bringing indoors | Remove contaminated items |
Final Thoughts
Dealing with earwigs in your house can feel overwhelming, but with the right prevention and treatment methods, you can keep these pests out. Fix moisture issues, seal entry points, and use traps or natural repellents. Serious infestations? Call a professional. Follow Us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for the latest updates.
FAQs
1. Is it bad to have earwigs in your house?
Earwigs are not harmful to humans, but they can be a nuisance indoors.
2. What are earwigs a warning of?
They could suggest high moisture levels in your home or nearby vegetation attracting them.
3. How do earwigs get inside homes?
They enter through cracks, vents, doors, or windows. They might also hitch a ride on items brought inside.
4. What does an infestation of earwigs mean?
An infestation could mean your home has areas with moisture, food sources, or cracks that invite them in.
5. Why am I suddenly finding earwigs?
Changes in weather (like heavy rain or heat) may push earwigs to seek shelter indoors.
6. Can earwigs come up through drains?
While uncommon, earwigs may crawl into sinks or drains searching for moisture.
7. How long is earwig season?
Earwigs are most active in spring and summer but can linger into fall if conditions stay warm.
8. Do earwigs mean water damage?
Sometimes. Damp wood or hidden leaks can attract them. Fix moisture issues to stop them.
9. Can earwigs lay eggs in your house?
It’s rare. They prefer outdoor soil, but it’s still best to prevent damp areas where they might hide.
