Earwigs, with their intimidating pincers and nocturnal habits, can be unwelcome guests in homes and gardens.
While they rarely cause significant harm, their presence can be unsettling, especially when they begin to damage plants or invade living spaces.
This article will guide you through the best treatments for earwigs, ensuring that you can get rid of them for good.
Identifying the Need for Earwig Treatment
Before jumping into treatment, it’s crucial to identify whether earwigs are actually the problem.
- Indoors:
- Earwigs are most often found in damp, dark areas like basements, bathrooms, and under sinks.
- You might spot them crawling at night, as they are nocturnal insects.
- Outdoors:
- Check for earwigs in your garden, especially in damp, shaded areas such as under mulch, rocks, or decaying plant material.
- Look for damage to plants; earwigs often feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits, leaving behind irregular holes and ragged edges.
Why Earwigs Are a Problem?
While earwigs are generally not dangerous to humans, they can become a nuisance due to their presence in homes and the damage they can cause in gardens.
- Home Invasion: Earwigs can enter homes in search of food, moisture, and shelter, becoming a disturbing sight.
- Garden Damage: Earwigs can be bad for your garden. Earwigs are known to feast on seedlings, soft fruits, and tender leaves, which can harm your plants.
Best Treatment for Earwigs
The best treatment for earwigs is a combination of chemical insecticides, natural remedies, and moisture control to prevent future infestations.
Below, we break down each of these methods for you:
Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments can be highly effective for severe earwig infestations.
Insecticidal Sprays:
Use sprays containing pyrethroids or carbamates, which are effective against earwigs.
- Recommended Products:
- Ortho® Home Defense Insect Killer: Effective for indoor and perimeter treatments, targeting earwigs and other pests.
- Raid® Ant & Roach Killer: Contains active ingredients that work well against earwigs when applied to cracks and crevices.
- Application Tips:
- Focus on spraying areas where earwigs are commonly found, such as baseboards, cracks, and garden beds.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Dust Insecticides:
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic dust that kills earwigs by dehydrating them.
- Recommended Product:
- Safer® Brand Diatomaceous Earth: A highly effective and natural option for treating earwigs.
- Application Tips:
- Apply DE in thin layers around the home’s perimeter, garden beds, and areas where earwigs are likely to hide.
Pros and Cons of Chemical Treatments
- Pros: Quick and effective in eliminating large infestations.
- Cons: Potential harm to non-target species, including beneficial insects, and can be toxic to pets and humans if not used correctly.
Natural Remedies
- Diatomaceous Earth:
- As mentioned, DE is effective and safe for use around children and pets.
- Apply it liberally in areas where earwigs are found.
- Essential Oils:
- Certain essential oils, like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus, can repel earwigs.
- Create a spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and applying it to entry points and common hiding spots.
- Trapping Earwigs:
- Create simple traps using rolled-up newspapers or damp cardboard placed in areas where earwigs are active.
- In the morning, dispose of the trapped earwigs by shaking them into soapy water.
Effectiveness of Natural Remedies:
- Natural methods may take longer to see results but are safer for the environment and your household.
Trapping and Physical Removal
Trapping and physical removal are effective for small infestations and as a complementary method to other treatments.
- Earwig Traps:
- Use commercially available earwig traps or create your own by filling a shallow container with vegetable oil and soy sauce, which attracts and drowns the earwigs.
- Manual Removal:
- For a hands-on approach, inspect damp areas at night when earwigs are active, and remove them using tweezers or a vacuum.
When to Call a Professional
When earwigs start to take over your home or garden, it can be frustrating and overwhelming.
While DIY methods can be effective for minor infestations, sometimes professional intervention is the best way to ensure these pests are fully eradicated.
Here’s when you should consider calling in the experts and what you can expect from our
earwigs pest control services.
Assessing the Severity of the Infestation
As pest control professionals, we understand that not all infestations require expert intervention.
However, if you’re facing any of the following issues, it might be time to bring in the experts:
- Persistent Infestations: If earwigs continue to invade your space despite your best efforts, it’s a sign that the infestation may be more extensive than it appears.
- Widespread Damage: Significant damage to your garden or plants can indicate a large earwig population that may be challenging to control on your own.
What to Expect from Our Professional Service
If you choose to hire us for your pest control needs, here’s what you can expect from our service:
- Thorough Inspection: We will conduct a comprehensive inspection of your home and garden to assess the extent of the infestation and identify potential entry points.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Based on our findings, we’ll develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your situation. This may include targeted chemical applications, natural remedies, or physical barriers to effectively eliminate the earwigs.
- Follow-Up: Our services often include follow-up visits to ensure that the infestation is fully resolved and to apply preventive measures, ensuring long-term protection.
Preventative Measures to Keep Earwigs Away
