Getting Rid of Earwigs

Earwigs are scary looking little bugs that usually elicit thoughts of, "Get rid of it!" wherever they appear. They have flat bodies and range in length from a quarter inch to almost two inches. Despite the frightening-looking forceps, or pincers, that project from their abdomens, earwigs are harmless to humans and animals. The forceps are used for carrying prey, during mating, and for defense against other insects. Even if an earwig does grab a person with the forceps, it feels only like a slight pinch.

Earwigs do not take up residence indoors but may sometimes be found wandering inside if the outdoor population has grown very large. Any attempt to get rid of earwigs must begin outside since this is their primary feeding and nesting area. Earwigs can sometimes be significant garden pests when they cause damage to the leaves of flower and vegetable plants.

Earwigs are active primarily at night but are attracted to artificial lights. Limiting the use of porch lights and other outdoor lights can help discourage earwigs from taking up residence near your home. They are also attracted to damp areas in the ground, underneath lumber or firewood, and in mulch. If earwigs are a problem, it's very important to repair any leaking outdoor faucets, gutters, or other water sources.

Killing Earwigs

When earwigs are found indoors, it's possible to simply vacuum them up or to sweep them up with a broom and dispose of them outside. To kill small numbers of caught earwigs, they can be burnt outdoors or dropped into boiling water.

When the earwig population grows numerous, it can be very beneficial to have the insects treated with a lethal insecticide. An exterminator will begin with an outdoor treatment around the home's perimeter. A residual liquid insecticide will be sprayed all around the foundation, at least three feet in width. This type of barrier treatment is most effective when begun in the spring, when earwigs begin to emerge from the ground, and continued through late summer.

It may be necessary to apply the liquid insecticide throughout the home's crawl space and on or around any gardens in the yard. This is usually only needed in very heavy infestations, however. In some instances, the exterminator may recommend a dust or granular insecticide instead of the liquid spray. All three types work in the same manner, but some formulations may last longer depending on the environmental conditions.

No matter which type of outdoor treatment is used, the insecticide should be reapplied every four to six weeks throughout the season. Several days of heavy rainfall may warrant earlier reapplication.

If many earwigs have migrated inside, a residual liquid spray or dust insecticide can be used under cabinets, along baseboards, and around doors to kill any earwigs found indoors. Unless the infestation is particularly bad, outdoor treatments alone may be sufficient.