Earwigs may look a little scary with their long bodies and tiny pinchers, but they’re mostly harmless. They don’t crawl into people’s ears, and they don’t spread disease. Still, nobody wants these creepy bugs running around inside the house, especially when they show up in big numbers. If you’ve seen earwigs in your kitchen, bathroom, garage, or basement, you might be wondering if you need pest control in Sammamish or if you can handle the problem yourself. The good news is that you can get rid of them and keep them away for good using simple steps.
Let’s learn more about earwigs and how to stop them from trying to move into your home.
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are small insects that are normally brown or black. They have flat bodies, six legs, long antennae, and tiny pinchers on the back of their bodies. Even though their pinchers look sharp and dangerous, they don’t really hurt people. Earwigs don’t bite, and their pinchers rarely break the skin. They mainly use them for catching small insects and protecting themselves.
These pests are nocturnal, meaning they hide during the day and come out at night. This is why you might not see them until you turn on a light or move something they’re hiding under, like a wet towel, a box, or a pile of newspapers.
Why Do Earwigs Come Inside?
Earwigs don’t come inside just for fun. They usually enter homes because they are looking for things they need to survive. Here are the main reasons they sneak in:
- Moisture: Earwigs love damp places. Bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and areas with leaks can attract them fast.
- Food: They eat plants, crumbs, pet food, garbage, and even dead bugs.
- Warm Shelter: When the weather outside starts cooling down, earwigs try to find warmth indoors.
- Light: Outdoor lights, especially bright white lights, can pull earwigs toward your home at night.
If your home has one or more of these things, earwigs may start showing up more often.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs
If you don’t want earwigs hanging out in your house, here are easy ways to get rid of them and prevent infestations:
Fix Moisture Problems
Earwigs love damp areas. Repair any leaking pipes. Use a dehumidifier in wet rooms like bathrooms or basements. Dry out sinks, tubs, and floors after use.
Seal Entry Points
Earwigs can squeeze into tiny cracks. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and foundations using caulk. Add screens to vents, crawl space openings, and floor drains.
Clean Up Hiding Areas
Inside the home, reduce clutter like stacks of papers, cardboard boxes, and bags. Outside, remove piles of leaves, thick mulch, wet soil, rotting wood, and firewood near the home.
Reduce Outdoor Lighting
Earwigs are attracted to bright white lights. Switch to yellow “bug lights” or turn lights off when not needed.
Use Traps or Soap Spray
A mix of dish soap and water will kill earwigs on contact. You can also set traps outside using a small cup with oil and soy sauce. The strong smell attracts earwigs, and the oil keeps them trapped.
How to Keep Earwigs Away for Good
After getting rid of earwigs, keeping your home dry and clean is the best way to make sure they don’t return. Keep houseplants away from leak-prone areas. Avoid overwatering gardens near the foundation. Trim bushes and keep mulch a few inches away from your home’s walls.
When Should You Seek Help?
If earwigs continue to show up after you try these steps, there may be hidden moisture problems, nests, or openings you can’t see. In those cases, hiring a professional can help completely remove the pests and stop future infestations.
