What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Earwigs in the House?

Insects & Creepy-Crawlies
1

Hey everyone,

I’ve suddenly started seeing earwigs inside the house—mostly around the bathrooms and near the back door. I know they’re mostly outdoor bugs, but it feels like they’re moving in lately.

I’d love some advice from folks who’ve dealt with them before:

  • What actually works to stop them from showing up indoors?

  • Is there anything specific you do outside the house to keep them away?

  • Do they usually mean there’s too much moisture somewhere?

  • Any cleaning or prevention routines you swear by?

Really curious what’s worked (or not worked) for you all.

2

I had a huge earwig wave last summer. Drying out the mulch near the foundation helped a ton. They love damp spots, so reducing moisture outside is key.

3

Check around sinks and tubs for tiny leaks. Earwigs always seem to find the damp corners of the house first.

4

If you’ve got heavy mulch touching the siding, pull it back a few inches. I didn’t realize earwigs hide underneath it during the day.

5

I started running a dehumidifier in the basement and that alone cut down on the numbers. They really don’t like dry air.

6

@HomeFixerPaul I’d also look at weather stripping around doors. Earwigs are surprisingly good at squeezing through those tiny gaps.

7

Seal cracks around window wells too. I caulked mine last fall and barely saw any this year.

8

I sweep the porch every night during summer just to get rid of the debris and leaf bits. Earwigs love hiding under that stuff before they wander inside.

9

@NestWatcherNina1 Totally agree. Once I sealed up the basement windows, I stopped seeing them crawl up the walls.

10

If you’ve got potted plants near your doors, move them back a little. Earwigs hide in those trays under the pots. Learned that the hard way.

11

@BackyardBobby That mulch tip is spot on. I also trimmed back some shrubs touching the house and saw fewer earwigs almost immediately.