How to Get Rid of Earwigs: Guide for Homeowners

Last updated: March 4, 2026

By James — 25-year pest control industry veteran

Earwigs are a common household nuisance, and knowing how to get rid of earwigs starts with understanding what draws them inside in the first place. These moisture-loving insects are mostly harmless, but finding a cluster of them in your bathroom or basement is unsettling. The good news is that earwig infestations are usually straightforward to resolve with targeted habitat modifications and a few simple treatments.

This guide covers earwig identification, why they enter homes, effective DIY removal methods, and when professional treatment makes sense. For general pest control pricing, see our pest control cost guide.

Identifying Earwigs

Earwigs are easy to identify once you know what to look for. They are dark brown to reddish-brown insects, typically about 5/8 inch long, with elongated, flat bodies. The most distinctive feature is a pair of curved pincers (called cerci) extending from the rear of the abdomen. Males have curved pincers, while females have straighter ones.

Earwigs have six legs, short antennae, and small wings folded beneath short wing covers, though most species rarely fly. They are nocturnal and prefer dark, damp environments. During the day, they hide under rocks, mulch, logs, and leaf litter. At night, they become active and are often attracted to outdoor lighting.

The Ear Myth: Setting the Record Straight

Despite their name, earwigs do not crawl into human ears. This is one of the most widespread and persistent myths in pest control. The name "earwig" likely originates from an Old English term meaning "ear creature," rooted in centuries-old European folklore with no basis in science.

Earwigs have no interest in ears or any other part of the human body. They are not parasites and do not feed on humans. Their pincers look intimidating but can only deliver a mild, harmless pinch if the insect is handled roughly. Earwigs do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. They are strictly a nuisance pest.

Why Earwigs Enter Homes

Earwigs are outdoor insects that come inside when conditions drive them to seek shelter. Understanding what attracts them is the first step toward keeping them out.

Moisture

Moisture is the single biggest factor. Earwigs require damp environments to survive, and they are drawn to any area with high humidity. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces are the most common indoor habitats. Homes with moisture problems, such as leaky pipes, poor drainage, or inadequate ventilation, are especially vulnerable.

Light attraction

Earwigs are strongly attracted to light at night. Porch lights, exterior wall lights, and illuminated windows draw earwigs toward the home, bringing them close to doors and windows where they can find entry points. This is why earwig problems are often worse in homes with bright exterior lighting.

Seasonal movement

Earwig populations peak in late spring and summer. During periods of extreme heat, drought, or heavy rain, earwigs move toward foundations seeking more stable conditions. A sudden influx of earwigs indoors often coincides with a weather change rather than a breeding event inside the home.

Common Entry Points

Earwigs are small and flat-bodied, which allows them to squeeze through surprisingly narrow openings. Sealing these entry points is one of the most effective long-term prevention strategies.

• Gaps under exterior doors. The space between the bottom of a door and the threshold is the most common entry point. Door sweeps or weatherstripping can close this gap.
• Foundation cracks. Even hairline cracks in the foundation provide access. Seal cracks with silicone caulk or hydraulic cement for larger gaps.
• Around pipes and utility lines. Openings where plumbing, electrical, or gas lines enter the home are often unsealed or poorly sealed. Use expanding foam or caulk to close these gaps.
• Window and door frames. Deteriorating caulk around window and door frames creates gaps. Inspect and re-caulk annually.
• Dryer vents and exhaust fans. Vent covers that are damaged, missing, or propped open allow easy access. Ensure all vents have intact screens or flaps.
• Sliding glass doors. The tracks of sliding doors often have gaps at the edges. Clean tracks regularly and adjust the door to minimize gaps.

DIY Methods to Get Rid of Earwigs

Most earwig problems can be resolved without professional help by combining habitat modification with targeted treatments. Start with the outdoor steps, since that is where the population lives and breeds.

Remove mulch and leaf debris near the foundation

Mulch, leaf litter, and ground cover within 12 inches of the foundation create the perfect earwig habitat: dark, damp, and sheltered. Pull mulch back at least 6 to 12 inches from the foundation walls, or replace organic mulch with gravel or rubber mulch in a narrow band next to the house. Rake up leaves, grass clippings, and other organic debris that accumulate against the foundation.

Reduce outdoor lighting

Switch exterior lights near entry points to yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, which are far less attractive to earwigs and other insects. Alternatively, move lights away from doors and windows by using pole-mounted or landscape lighting that illuminates the area without drawing insects directly to the house. Motion-activated lights that stay off most of the time are another effective option.

Oil and soy sauce traps

A simple and effective homemade earwig trap uses equal parts vegetable oil and soy sauce mixed in a shallow container such as a tuna can or yogurt cup. Bury the container in the soil near earwig activity so the rim is level with the ground. Earwigs are attracted to the soy sauce scent, fall into the mixture, and cannot climb out due to the oil. Check and replace traps every few days.

Diatomaceous earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic powder that kills earwigs by damaging their exoskeleton and causing dehydration. Apply a thin, even layer along the foundation perimeter, around entry points, along baseboards, and in cracks or crevices where earwigs travel. DE works best in dry conditions; reapply after rain or if the area gets wet.

Dehumidify indoor spaces

Since earwigs need moisture to survive, reducing indoor humidity makes your home inhospitable to them. Use a dehumidifier in basements, crawl spaces, and any rooms where humidity stays above 60%. Fix leaky pipes, improve ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure the dryer vents to the outside. Addressing moisture issues often eliminates the earwig problem without any other treatment.

Newspaper and cardboard traps

Roll up a damp newspaper or piece of corrugated cardboard and place it near areas of earwig activity in the evening. Earwigs will crawl inside overnight to hide in the damp, dark folds. In the morning, pick up the roll and dispose of it in a sealed bag in an outdoor trash bin. This is an easy, no-cost method for reducing indoor populations.

Perimeter insecticide spray

For persistent outdoor populations, apply a residual insecticide containing bifenthrin or permethrin in a 3-foot band around the foundation and along the base of exterior walls. Spray around door frames, window frames, and other entry points. These products provide several weeks of residual control and create a barrier that kills earwigs before they enter the home. Follow all label directions for application rates and safety.

When to Call a Professional

Most earwig problems respond well to the DIY methods described above. However, there are situations where professional pest control makes sense.

A large, persistent earwig population that does not decrease after two to three weeks of DIY treatment may indicate a significant moisture problem around or under the home. Earwigs are an indicator pest, meaning their presence in large numbers often signals excessive moisture in the structure, such as a drainage issue, plumbing leak, or poor crawl space ventilation. A pest control professional can identify the source of the problem and treat it accordingly.

Professional treatment is also worth considering if earwigs are entering from multiple points throughout the home, if you have a large property with extensive landscaping near the foundation, or if you simply want a faster resolution. For more guidance on making this decision, see our guide on when to call an exterminator.

Professional Perimeter Treatment

Professional earwig control typically involves a perimeter treatment, which is the same approach used for most crawling insect pests. The technician applies a residual insecticide around the exterior foundation, along door and window frames, around utility entry points, and in cracks and crevices. Indoor treatment may include baseboard sprays or dust applications in basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.

Most one-time treatments resolve earwig problems within one to two weeks. Quarterly plans offer ongoing protection and are a good option for homes in areas with consistent earwig pressure. For a full breakdown of what pest control services cost, visit our pest control cost guide. To understand how often treatments should be applied, see our guide on how often to spray for pest control.

Prevention Tips

Preventing earwigs from returning is largely about eliminating the moisture and shelter they need near your home. These ongoing habits will keep earwig populations low.

• Maintain a dry perimeter. Ensure gutters drain away from the foundation, not against it. Grade the soil so water flows away from the house. Fix any sprinklers that spray directly onto the foundation or siding.
• Keep a clear foundation zone. Maintain a 6 to 12 inch gap between mulch, garden beds, ground cover, and the foundation wall. Use gravel or stone in this zone instead of organic material. Remove stacked firewood, lumber, and debris from against the house.
• Seal entry points annually. Inspect and re-caulk around windows, doors, pipes, and utility lines once a year. Replace worn door sweeps and weatherstripping. Repair or replace damaged vent screens.
• Manage outdoor lighting. Use yellow or sodium vapor bulbs for exterior lights near doors. Position lights away from entry points, or switch to motion-activated fixtures that minimize the time lights are on.
• Control indoor humidity. Run dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces. Ensure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans vent to the outside. Fix plumbing leaks promptly. Keeping indoor humidity below 50% makes your home unattractive to earwigs and many other pests.
• Trim vegetation. Keep shrubs, tree branches, and other vegetation pruned back so they do not touch the house. Overgrown plants against the exterior create shaded, damp conditions that attract earwigs and give them a bridge to upper-story entry points.

Frequently Asked Questions