Are you sick of sharing your space with the unwanted six-legged roommates called Earwigs? If you are tired of these creepy crawlies invading your garden and home, it’s time to evict them.
Today, we will spill the beans on using ingenious hacks and household items to eradicate their invasion.
After watching this video, you will say goodbye to earwigs with our all-natural solutions! From DIY traps to eco-friendly repellents, we’ve got you covered. No need for toxic sprays or expensive exterminators – just a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of know-how will do the trick!
So grab your popcorn and get ready for some insect-exterminating action!
Don’t let earwigs rule your home anymore. Watch now and regain control over your home sweet home!
Table of Contents
What are Earwigs?
Earwigs, or pincher bugs, are tiny insects that can grow up to one in length.
They have a distinct appearance with long, flat bodies and a pair of pincers at the end of their abdomens.
These insects use the pincers to defend themselves and capture prey. Earwigs have six legs and two pairs of wings, although they are not strong flyers.
These pests have a dark brown or black coloration, with some species having reddish markings on their bodies. They have smooth exoskeletons that protect them against predators and environmental conditions.
Earwigs possess antennae that they use for sensory purposes such as locating food sources or detecting danger. These bugs are primarily nocturnal creatures that prefer dark and moist environments.
During the day, they hide in crevices or burrow into the soil to avoid direct sunlight.
Earwigs are omnivorous feeders that consume plant leaves, rotten vegetation, decaying wood, and other insects.
While they do not pose significant threats to humans or animals, earwigs may become a nuisance when they invade homes seeking shelter or food sources.
What are the Methods to Eliminate Earwigs?
1. Soapy water
Do you know soapy water can eliminate earwigs?
It’s an effective method to rid your space of earwigs. But how does soapy water kill these pesky insects?
When earwigs come into contact with soapy water, the soap breaks down the protective layer on their exoskeletons.
This problem causes them to lose moisture rapidly and ultimately leads to dehydration and death. The soap in the water disrupts the waxy coating that helps earwigs retain moisture, making it difficult for them to survive.
When earwigs try to escape from the soapy water, they become trapped due to the surface tension created by the soap molecules.
It prevents them from crawling out of the liquid and escaping. Soapy water exterminates adult earwigs and their eggs. The soap penetrates the egg’s outer shell, interfering with its development or suffocating it altogether.
This process ensures the elimination of future generations of these unwanted pests, helping you maintain a pest-free environment without resorting to harmful chemicals.
You can make this simple solution by mixing a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Locate areas where earwigs are present, such as damp and dark places like basements, flower beds, or under rocks.
Once you’ve identified the infested areas, spray the soapy water onto the earwigs. The soap will suffocate and kill them upon contact. Repeat this process until the infestation is gone since earwigs reproduce quickly.
Also, you can place a bowl of the solution where these insects can fall into it. It will kill them in a few minutes.
2. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a finely powdered substance that consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. When earwigs come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it adheres to their exoskeleton and dehydrates them.
The tiny particles in the powder are sharp and abrasive, penetrating their waxy outer layer, causing moisture loss and ultimately leading to their death.
The mode of action for diatomaceous earth against earwigs is mechanical rather than chemical. As the powder sticks to their bodies, it gets into their joints.
This physical abrasion makes it difficult for the earwigs to move or escape, ultimately resulting in their demise. Besides, the sharp edges of diatomaceous earth damage their digestive system when these pests ingest it.
This process usually takes place during grooming or feeding habits. Locate the hiding places of these pests around your home or garden, such as damp areas or under rocks and logs.
Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth in these areas, paying attention to cracks and crevices where earwigs may hide. You can create barriers with powder around windows and doors to prevent them from entering your home.
Although diatomaceous earth is non-toxic to humans and pets when used properly, you should handle it cautiously and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
3. Soy sauce trap
Earwigs are notorious garden pests that can wreak havoc on your plants and vegetables.
An effective way to exterminate them is to lure them into a soy sauce trap. These insects are attracted to the smell of soy sauce, making it an ideal bait for luring them in.
To create a soy sauce trap, get a small dish or container and fill it with equal parts soy sauce and vegetable oil. Place the traps strategically around your garden, focusing on areas where you have noticed earwig activity.
Once the earwigs catch the scent of the soy sauce, they will crawl into the container and drown. Check and empty the traps regularly to prevent overflow or unpleasant odors.
This natural method helps control the earwig population and avoids using harsh chemicals that can harm beneficial insects or contaminate your produce.
Incorporating this simple technique into your pest management routine can eradicate earwig infestations while maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.
4. Herbs like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, etc.
You can repel earwigs from your home with scents that they dislike. Peppermint is an excellent option as its smell is pleasant to humans but repulsive to these pests.
You can place peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls near entry points or where you suspect their presence. Similarly, eucalyptus oil has a strong scent that can deter earwigs effectively.
Mixing a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle and applying it around window sills, door frames, and cracks will help keep them at bay. Lavender is another fragrance that earwigs find off-putting.
Planting lavender in your garden or placing sachets filled with dried lavender in areas where you’ve spotted these insects can discourage their presence.
Additionally, cinnamon’s pungent aroma acts as a natural repellent against earwigs.
Sprinkling powdered cinnamon around the perimeter of your house or garden beds creates an unpleasant barrier for these unwanted guests.
Garlic’s strong smell also works wonders in driving away earwigs.
Mix crushed garlic cloves with water and spray on infested areas, or use it as a barrier around your home’s foundation. Finally, basil can repel various pests, including earwigs.
This quality is due to its potent scent. Planting basil near entrances or windows adds beauty and keeps these insects away from your living spaces.
5. Boric acid
Boric acid is a white, crystalline powder used for decades as an insecticide.
This substance dehydrates and ultimately kills the insects. Mix equal parts of the powder with sugar or flour to attract them. Place this mixture in shallow dishes or along their common pathways, such as windowsills or near doors.
The substance will kill them after contact or ingestion. Another way to use boric acid is to make a spray solution. Mix one teaspoon of boric acid in one cup of warm water thoroughly.
Transfer the solution into a spray bottle and apply it directly onto areas where you’ve seen earwigs, such as cracks in walls or floors, baseboards, or around windows and door frames.
Keep pets and children away from treated areas until they have dried. While boric acid is relatively safe for humans and pets when used correctly, it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Therefore, you should keep the mixture out of reach of children and animals.
6. Rubbing alcohol and water spray
Another natural method to exterminate earwigs is rubbing alcohol and water spray. This solution penetrates the earwigs’ coats and kills them. Besides, it prevents them from returning.
Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle.
Shake the bottle well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined. When you spot an earwig or their habitats, such as damp areas or dark corners, spray the solution onto them.
The alcohol content will dehydrate and kill the earwigs upon contact. Additionally, you can spritz this mixture around doors, windows, and other entry points to create a barrier that deters these pests from entering your home.
7. Proper sanitation and maintenance
While natural ingredients may be efficient methods for eliminating earwigs, it’s essential to address any underlying issues that may attract these pests in the first place.
Earwigs love damp environments, so it’s crucial to identify and fix any moisture source or excess humidity within your home. Proper sanitation and maintenance are vital to preventing future infestations.
Removing debris from your yard, reducing moisture levels, and sealing any cracks or openings will help create an environment less conducive to earwig activity.
Conclusion
Ridding your home of earwigs doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can bid these pesky insects farewell with these simple and effective methods. Remember that prevention is critical.
So keep your garden clean and tidy to discourage their presence.
And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to unleash the power of natural remedies like diatomaceous earth or essential oils. So go forth and reclaim your space from these unwanted guests.
Earwigs may be tiny, but they don’t deserve a free ride in your home or garden!
