7 Chemical-Free Solutions to Keep Earwigs Out of Your House

You are aware of how unsettling those eerie little earwigs may be if you have ever seen them scuttling around your house. The problem is that using harsh chemicals isn’t always the best course of action. Earwigs are only one of the many natural pest management techniques I’ve studied. Although they are generally harmless, it can be annoying when they invade your space because they prefer moist, dark environments.

So, without endangering the environment or your health, I’d like to share with you seven environmentally friendly ways to get rid of earwigs. Let’s get started and eliminate earwigs from your house naturally.

1. Natural Traps: Harnessing Earwigs Habits

As a matter of fact, earwigs are naturally drawn to dark, moist hiding places. Bina kisi chemical ke, yeh traps aap ghar pareasilybana sakte hain:

• 
  Damp Newspaper Rolls
  
  • Take some old newspapers and roll them tightly.
  • Moisten the roll slightly so it s
    
    damp but not dripping
    
    .
  • Place these rolls in areas where you ve seen earwigs like
    
    basements, gardens, or near doorways
    
    .
  • Earwigs will crawl inside to seek shelter during the day.
  • Every morning, check the rolls and shake out or dispose of any earwigs hiding inside.
  • Repeat daily until you notice
    
    fewer earwigs
    
    around.
• 
  Cardboard Tube Traps
  
  • Use empty cardboard tubes (like toilet paper or paper towel rolls).
  • Stuff them loosely with
    
    dry straw or shredded paper
    
    .
  • Seal the outside with tape so the earwigs can t escape easily.
  • Place these traps in
    
    dark corners or garden beds
    
    where earwigs are active.
  • They ll hide inside the tubes during the day.
  • Check traps daily and discard trapped earwigs.
• 
  DIY Oil Traps
  
  • Fill a shallow container with
    
    vegetable oil
    
    or any cooking oil.
  • Place the container near infested areas earwigs are attracted and get stuck in the oil.
  • Empty and refill as needed.
  • This method is very effective for
    
    quick reduction
    
    of earwig numbers.

• Take some old newspapers and roll them tightly.
• Moisten the roll slightly so it s
  
  damp but not dripping
  
  .
• Place these rolls in areas where you ve seen earwigs like
  
  basements, gardens, or near doorways
  
  .
• Earwigs will crawl inside to seek shelter during the day.
• Every morning, check the rolls and shake out or dispose of any earwigs hiding inside.
• Repeat daily until you notice
  
  fewer earwigs
  
  around.

• Use empty cardboard tubes (like toilet paper or paper towel rolls).
• Stuff them loosely with
  
  dry straw or shredded paper
  
  .
• Seal the outside with tape so the earwigs can t escape easily.
• Place these traps in
  
  dark corners or garden beds
  
  where earwigs are active.
• They ll hide inside the tubes during the day.
• Check traps daily and discard trapped earwigs.

• Fill a shallow container with
  
  vegetable oil
  
  or any cooking oil.
• Place the container near infested areas earwigs are attracted and get stuck in the oil.
• Empty and refill as needed.
• This method is very effective for
  
  quick reduction
  
  of earwig numbers.

Visit the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management website for more thorough, professional-backed information on these natural trapping techniques.

By using earwigs’ natural behaviors against them, these traps offer safe, chemical-free methods of reducing their number. It’s ideal for anyone who want to stay away from harsh pesticides because it’s straightforward to perform and practical.

2. Natural Repellents: Deterring Earwigs Effectively

A clever non-chemical method of keeping earwigs away is to use natural repellents. You can make these simple, secure options at home:

• 
  Garlic Spray
  
  • Garlic naturally repels many insects, including earwigs.
  • Crush a few garlic cloves and mix with water to make a spray.
  • Spray this mixture around infested areas like doorways, window sills, and garden beds.
  • Reapply after rain or watering.
• 
  Essential Oils
  
  • Oils like peppermint, lavender, and citrus have strong insect-repelling properties.
  • Mix a few drops of any of these oils with water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray around entry points, baseboards, and outdoor plants to deter earwigs.

• Garlic naturally repels many insects, including earwigs.
• Crush a few garlic cloves and mix with water to make a spray.
• Spray this mixture around infested areas like doorways, window sills, and garden beds.
• Reapply after rain or watering.

• Oils like peppermint, lavender, and citrus have strong insect-repelling properties.
• Mix a few drops of any of these oils with water in a spray bottle.
• Spray around entry points, baseboards, and outdoor plants to deter earwigs.

Both solutions are safe and environmentally friendly substitutes for toxic pesticides because they make use of everyday home items.

3. Physical Barriers: Preventing Earwig Entry

One of the greatest methods to keep earwigs out of your house and garden is to stop them before they enter. Physical barriers function by preventing them from entering:

• 
  Petroleum Jelly Barriers
  
  • Apply a ring of petroleum jelly around plant stems.
  • This sticky barrier prevents earwigs from climbing up and damaging your plants.
• 
  Gravel or Stone Borders
  
  • Create a 12 18 inch wide border of gravel or stones around the perimeter of your house.
  • This reduces the damp hiding spots where earwigs like to hang out.

• Apply a ring of petroleum jelly around plant stems.
• This sticky barrier prevents earwigs from climbing up and damaging your plants.

• Create a 12 18 inch wide border of gravel or stones around the perimeter of your house.
• This reduces the damp hiding spots where earwigs like to hang out.

By physically obstructing earwigs’ access and shelter, these techniques lessen the likelihood of reoccurring infestations.

See the comprehensive advice from Southern Living for more environmentally friendly repellents and barrier techniques.

You can save time and frustration later on by using the simple, chemical-free treatments in these sections that stop earwigs from invading in the first place.

4. Habitat Modification: Making Your Home Less Inviting

Making your house and garden less earwig-friendly is the greatest way to get rid of earwigs permanently. Since earwigs prefer moist, congested areas where they can conceal themselves, they are less likely to remain in those areas.

• 
  Reduce Moisture Levels:
  
  I always say, start by fixing any leaks or dripping pipes you have. Moisture is like a magnet for earwigs. You can also use a dehumidifier in damp rooms or basements to keep the air dry. Make sure areas like crawl spaces, attics, and closets are well ventilated that way, you re cutting off the humidity earwigs need to survive. Just like earwigs, other unwanted guests such as bats can also be attracted to damp or poorly sealed areas in your home. If you want to learn how to prevent bats from invading, check out these

  5 easy fixes to stop bats from invading your home

  .

• 
  Eliminate Hiding Spots:
  
  Next, clear away any debris, leaf piles, mulch, or wood stacks near your home s foundation. Earwigs love to hide under all these damp materials. Also, trim back any overgrown plants or bushes touching your walls or windows those plants create perfect shady spots for earwigs to hide during the day. While clearing away debris and overgrown plants, it s also helpful to avoid common

  DIY lawn care mistakes

  that can unintentionally create pest-friendly environments around your yard.

By altering the surroundings, these actions make earwigs less likely to stay. Although it may require some work up front, this method will prevent future infestations.

5. Encouraging Natural Predators: Nature s Pest Control

Because of its intelligence, nature provides us with helpful creatures like frogs and birds that enjoy eating earwigs. Why not use these natural pest controllers in place of attempting to combat earwigs on your own?

• You can attract birds by putting up feeders and birdbaths near your garden or yard.
• Frogs and toads also eat earwigs and thrive where there s clean water and shelter. Adding a small pond or a water dish can encourage them to stick around.
• Planting native shrubs and flowers creates safe habitats for these predators, which benefits your garden s health overall.

In addition to helping with earwigs, this approach encourages a balanced, healthy outdoor environment, which is why I find it so satisfying.

6. Beneficial Nematodes: Biological Control Agents

Beneficial nematodes are your best bet if you want to become a little more sophisticated without sacrificing naturalness. These tiny worms, which reside in the earth, prey on earwig larvae before they even pose a threat.

• They re completely safe for your plants, pets, and family no chemicals here.
• You just apply them to your garden or soil according to the instructions, and they do the rest.
• This tackles the earwig problem at its source, stopping the next generation before it starts.

Nematodes, in my opinion, are like a little army that works underground to keep pests out of your garden without requiring any more effort from you.

Check out this useful resource from The Spruce for more detailed advice on these long-term, natural remedies.

By altering the environment in your house, bringing in natural helpers, and utilizing intelligent biological controls, you may address the main causes of earwig recurrence and have a permanently pest-free home.

7. Regular Cleaning & Yard Maintenance: Keep Earwigs at Bay Naturally

It may surprise you to learn that keeping up with yard care and cleaning is one of the easiest ways to keep earwigs away. Regular upkeep is crucial since earwigs prefer moist, congested areas both inside and outside of your house.

• 
  Keep Damp Areas Clean:
  
  I always make sure to sweep out basements, garages, and patios regularly. These are prime spots where moisture can build up and earwigs can hide. You can do this too just a quick sweep or wipe down can stop earwigs from feeling comfortable around your living space.
• 
  Remove Leaf Litter, Mulch, and Debris:
  
  Outside, clear away leaf piles, mulch, and any garden debris near your house. These spots are like a five-star hotel for earwigs looking for shelter. Getting rid of them means fewer places for earwigs to hide and breed.
• 
  Keep Gutters Clean and Dry:
  
  Gutters clogged with leaves hold moisture, creating a humid environment near your walls and foundation. Make it a habit to clean them out so water flows freely and the area stays dry. Along with regular cleaning and yard upkeep, small budget-friendly home upgrades can also improve your home s overall pest resistance and curb appeal. Check out these

  13 budget-friendly home upgrades under $200

  that can make a big difference.

This straightforward but persistent work maintains your house organically protected and lowers the likelihood that earwigs may settle in.

Regular yard maintenance and cleaning is an inexpensive, natural method of keeping earwigs away from their preferred spots, which will reduce pests and your hassle.

Embracing Eco-Friendly Earwig Control

You don’t need to use harsh chemicals to deal with earwigs. By employing these natural techniques—traps, repellents, habitat modifications, and a little routine maintenance—you’re safeguarding not only your house but also the surrounding area.

I urge you to give these tactics a try and observe their potential effectiveness. Once you get started, you’ll see a healthier, happier living place free of harmful sprays and fewer earwigs.

Which approach are you going to attempt first? Or have you found a natural suggestion to be effective? Please share your ideas and experiences in the comments section below; I would be delighted to hear them!

Go to Build Like New for additional practical house advice.

Disclaimer: This article’s content is intended solely for informational and educational reasons. Although we make every effort to provide current and accurate guidance, individual outcomes may differ. When handling any materials or using pest control techniques, always use caution. Consider speaking with a professional pest control provider if you have a serious infestation or health issues.

Contents Table

• 7 Chemical-Free Solutions to Keep Earwigs Out of Your House

  • 1. Natural Traps: Harnessing Earwigs Habits

  • 2. Natural Repellents: Deterring Earwigs Effectively

  • 3. Physical Barriers: Preventing Earwig Entry

  • 4. Habitat Modification: Making Your Home Less Inviting

  • 5. Encouraging Natural Predators: Nature s Pest Control

  • 6. Beneficial Nematodes: Biological Control Agents

  • 7. Regular Cleaning & Yard Maintenance: Keep Earwigs at Bay Naturally

  • Embracing Eco-Friendly Earwig Control

• 1. Natural Traps: Harnessing Earwigs Habits

• 2. Natural Repellents: Deterring Earwigs Effectively

• 3. Physical Barriers: Preventing Earwig Entry

• 4. Habitat Modification: Making Your Home Less Inviting

• 5. Encouraging Natural Predators: Nature s Pest Control

• 6. Beneficial Nematodes: Biological Control Agents

• 7. Regular Cleaning & Yard Maintenance: Keep Earwigs at Bay Naturally

• Embracing Eco-Friendly Earwig Control