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How do I get rid of earwigs in my house?
I keep finding earwigs in my basement! These nasty pests seem to be everywhere! They are really unsettling to look at and they smell bad. How can I get them out of my house?
Patrick Price · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve got earwigs in your house. These monstrous pests are all too common. An infestation can be pretty resilient, but there are a few things you can do to get rid of earwigs in your house, such as spraying pesticides and laying traps.
Earwigs are nocturnal insects that prefer cold and damp areas. If you’re not sure whether or not you have earwigs in your house, check dark areas with lots of moisture. If you do find some, here’s what you can do to get rid of them:
- Lay traps: Mix soy sauce and olive oil in a dish and leave it out. The earwigs will be drawn to it, and they’ll drown when they climb in.
- Spray insecticides: A good insecticide spray should do the trick. Focus on cool and damp areas.
- Spray problem areas with soapy water or rubbing alcohol: A mixture of water and dish soap or rubbing alcohol will usually be fatal for earwigs.
Once you’ve killed off the earwigs, you’ll want to make sure they don’t come back. Here’s what you can do to avoid future infestations:
- Don’t leave food out for them: Earwigs feed on decaying plant matter. Make sure you take any dead plants or decaying produce out to the trash right away.
- Avoid excess moisture: Earwigs need a lot of moisture to live. Keep pipes free of leaks and keep the bathroom fan on while showering. If you don’t let moisture hang around, earwigs won’t be able to live in your house.
- Keep things tidy: Earwigs like to hide in piles of debris that provide shade and protection. Limit the places where they can hide by keeping your house tidy.
Like most pests, earwigs are usually a sign that there is some other damage to your home, such as leaking pipes or gaps in your walls. Make sure you have the
homeowners’ insurance
coverage you need to keep your house in good shape and free of critters. Insurance comparison super-app
Jerry
is here to find you the best deals and the best coverage. Just download the app and we’ll have you compare quotes from 50+ top insurers in as little as 45 seconds. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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