Earwigs, those slender, pincher-backed insects, often cause a stir when spotted in homes. Misconceptions and old wives’ tales surround these creatures, leading to unnecessary alarm. However, understanding earwigs and knowing effective removal methods can quickly resolve any concerns. This guide will delve into the reality of earwigs, debunk common myths, and provide you with comprehensive strategies on How To Get Rid Of Earwigs and keep them from returning, ensuring a pest-free home.
Understanding Earwigs: Identification and Behavior
Earwigs, sometimes referred to as “pincher bugs,” are easily identifiable insects found throughout North America and beyond. Typically less than an inch in length, their elongated, segmented bodies and prominent pincers at the rear are key distinguishing features.
Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, earwigs are far from the dangerous pests folklore often portrays. The most prevalent myth, that they crawl into ears to lay eggs, is entirely false. Earwigs are not aggressive towards humans and generally prefer to avoid contact, whether you are awake or asleep. While they possess pincers, their pinch is weak, rarely painful, and almost never breaks the skin.
The Origin of the Name “Earwig”
The name “earwig” itself contributes to the myths surrounding these insects. It originates from the ancient belief that these creatures would indeed wriggle into people’s ears. Linguistic research traces the name back to Old English “ēarwicga,” roughly translating to “ear wiggler” or “ear creature.” While the ear-crawling myth persists in popular culture, it’s important to remember that it’s just a myth. The name, however, has endured.
What Do Earwigs Eat? Their Diet Explained
Surprisingly, earwigs can be beneficial in gardens. They are omnivorous, consuming both decaying plant matter and other insects. This diet helps in natural garden cleanup by breaking down dead leaves and vegetation. Furthermore, earwigs act as predatory insects, helping to control populations of more harmful garden pests like aphids and spider mites. In this way, they can contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.
Why Are Earwigs Attracted to Your Home?
Earwigs are primarily nocturnal, which explains why many encounters happen at night, fueling misconceptions about their behavior. Like many nocturnal insects, they are attracted to light sources. Outdoor lights like porch lights can inadvertently draw them towards your house. Earwigs are also fond of hiding in dark, sheltered spots and are not selective about their hiding places. This often leads to them being accidentally brought indoors when they seek refuge in woodpiles, cardboard boxes, newspapers, or potted plants. Additionally, during colder months like fall and winter, earwigs may seek the warmth of your home for shelter.
Do Earwigs Bite? Dispelling the Myths
No, earwigs do not bite. Despite their prominent rear pincers that might appear intimidating, earwigs are not equipped to bite humans. They pose no threat of biting or stinging. They are also not considered significant carriers of diseases or bacteria, ranking them low on the scale of dangerous household pests. Their pincers are mainly used for defense against other insects and during mating.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs: Effective Strategies
While earwigs are not dangerous and can even be beneficial outdoors, their presence inside your home can be unwelcome. Fortunately, eliminating earwigs from your house is usually straightforward. Here are several effective methods for how to get rid of earwigs:
Homemade Earwig Traps and Solutions
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Dish Soap and Water Spray: A simple mixture of dish soap and water is an effective and readily available earwig deterrent. The soap breaks down the earwigs’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration. Simply spray this solution in areas where you’ve noticed earwig activity, such as along baseboards, in cracks, and around entry points.
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Rubbing Alcohol and Water Solution: For a more potent contact killer, a 1:1 solution of rubbing alcohol and water works effectively. Rubbing alcohol acts as a neurotoxin to earwigs, killing them rapidly upon contact. Spray this solution directly on earwigs you see. Like dish soap, avoid overuse on plants as it can also dehydrate foliage.
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Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Diatomaceous Earth is a natural powder made from fossilized diatoms. It works by damaging the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle food-grade DE in areas where earwigs are present, such as around foundations, windowsills, and in gardens. Ensure you use food-grade DE and take precautions to avoid inhaling the dust during application.
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Boric Acid Powder: Boric acid is another effective powder treatment. It acts as a stomach poison and desiccant to earwigs. Apply a thin layer of boric acid powder in cracks, crevices, and along pathways where earwigs travel. Use caution when applying boric acid, keeping it away from pets and children as it can cause skin irritation if ingested.
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Light Traps: Leverage earwigs’ attraction to light with a simple light trap. Place a bucket or container filled with soapy water halfway and position a light source directly above it. The light will attract earwigs, and they will fall into the soapy water and drown. This is particularly effective at night.
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Oil and Soy Sauce Trap: This less conventional but surprisingly effective trap utilizes earwigs’ attraction to fermented scents. Mix equal parts soy sauce and cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil) in a shallow dish. The soy sauce acts as an attractant, and the oil traps the earwigs once they enter. Place these traps near areas of earwig activity.
Other Effective Earwig Control Methods
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Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming is a simple yet powerful tool for managing earwigs indoors. Vacuuming physically removes earwigs and their eggs from your home. Focus on vacuuming along baseboards, windowsills, and any cracks or crevices where they might hide. Dispose of the vacuum bag contents outdoors immediately to prevent re-infestation.
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Essential Oil Repellents: Certain essential oils act as natural repellents for earwigs. Strong scents like eucalyptus, peppermint, cinnamon, and lemon are known to deter earwigs. Dilute a few drops of essential oil in water and spray around entry points, windowsills, and areas where you’ve seen earwigs. You can also soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them in affected areas.
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Professional Earwig Pesticides: If home remedies and natural methods are insufficient, or for severe infestations, chemical pesticides designed for earwigs are available. Look for insecticides labeled for crawling insects, containing active ingredients like pyrethrins or permethrin. Always read and follow the product instructions carefully, and prioritize safety during application, especially in homes with children and pets.
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Professional Pest Control Services: For persistent or large-scale earwig problems, or if you prefer a comprehensive pest management solution, professional pest control services are a reliable option. Pest control professionals have the expertise and tools to effectively identify the source of the infestation and implement targeted treatments. They can also offer preventative strategies to keep earwigs and other pests away in the long term.
Conclusion: Maintaining an Earwig-Free Home
Dealing with earwigs is usually manageable with the right knowledge and methods. By understanding their behavior and employing these effective removal and preventative strategies, you can successfully get rid of earwigs and maintain a pest-free home. Remember that a combination of these methods often yields the best results. Regular home maintenance, sealing entry points, and reducing moisture are key to preventing future earwig problems and enjoying a comfortable, pest-free living space.
