If you have ever spotted a creepy-looking insect with long pincers crawling around your bathroom or kitchen, you have likely encountered an earwig. Despite the old myth, earwigs don’t crawl into human ears - but they can still be a nuisance if they have invaded your home. These nocturnal insects thrive in damp, dark environments and are often seen indoors when the weather outside becomes too dry, too wet, or too cold. How to get rid of earwigs in your house quickly? Fortunately, there are effective ways to get rid of earwigs in your house quickly.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House Quickly

Understanding Earwigs: What Are They?

Earwigs are thin insects with pincers (forceps) at the rear of their guts. These pincers can look intimidating, but earwigs are generally harmless to humans. They use their pincers primarily for defense and hunting smaller insects. Most commonly, you will see the European earwig (Forficula auricularia) in homes.

While they are not dangerous, they can be a real nuisance. Earwigs can emit a foul smell, damage indoor plants, and cause distress when found crawling on walls, floors, or countertops. So, getting rid of them quickly is often a top priority for homeowners.

Why Do Earwigs Come Inside?

Before tackling the removal, it’s helpful to understand why earwigs come inside in the first place:

1. Moisture: Bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and kitchens provide the damp conditions earwigs love.

2. Shelter: Cracks in walls, floorboards, or foundations offer cozy hiding spots.

3. Food sources: Earwigs feed on decaying organic matter, plants, and smaller insects.

4. Weather changes: During extreme weather conditions (like heavy rain or drought), earwigs may migrate indoors.

Signs of an Earwig Infestation

Earwigs are nocturnal, so they’re usually hidden during the day. However, you might notice:

1. Small insects with pincers scurrying across the floor at night

2. A musty odor in spaces with serious moisture

3. Damage to indoor plants

4. Sightings near drains, bathtubs, or under sinks

How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your House Quickly

Now let’s dive into the quickest and most effective methods to eliminate earwigs from your home.

1. Eliminate Moisture Sources

Earwigs are moisture fans, so the drier your house, the less attractive it will be for them.

• Fix leaky pipes or faucets immediately.

• Utilize dehumidifiers in damp places like laundry rooms or basements.

• Ensure good ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.

• Wipe up water spills and avoid leaving wet rags or towels lying around.

2. Seal Entry Points

Preventing earwigs from entering is half the battle.

• Seal cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and foundations using caulk or weather stripping.

• Install or repair window screens.

• Use door sweeps on exterior doors.

• Ensure vents are properly covered with mesh.

3. Clean Up Indoor and Outdoor Clutter

Earwigs love to hide in piles of debris, leaves, mulch, and clutter.

Indoors:

• Declutter storage spaces like basements and attics.

• Clean behind appliances and under sinks.

Outdoors:

• Remove leaf piles, mulch, or organic debris close to the home.

• Trim back overgrown vegetation near the house’s foundation.

• Move firewood and compost piles away from your house.

4. Trap and Remove Earwigs

Create quick and simple traps to catch earwigs:

• Newspaper Trap: Roll up a damp newspaper and place it near an infested area overnight. Earwigs will crawl inside. In the morning, shake them out and dispose of them away from your house.

• Cardboard Box Trap: Use shallow boxes with holes and line them with oatmeal or bran. These attract and trap earwigs.

5. Use Chemical Treatments (When Necessary)

If natural remedies aren't enough, consider chemical solutions for quicker results:

• Insecticidal sprays: Use sprays labeled for earwigs, focusing on baseboards, cracks, and moist areas.

• Boric acid: Apply lightly in areas where earwigs may be hiding.

• Perimeter insecticides: Spray a protective barrier around the outside of your home (follow label directions carefully).

Always keep chemical products out of reach of pets and children and use them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Call a Pest Control Professional

If the infestation is severe and none of the above solutions work, it might be time to contact a licensed pest control expert. Professionals can assess the problem, treat hidden areas, and use advanced methods that are safe and effective.

Preventing Future Infestations

Once you’ve eliminated the current infestation, prevention is key. Here’s how to keep earwigs from coming back:

• Keep your home dry and well-ventilated.

• Regularly inspect and seal potential entry points.

• Use yellow or sodium vapor lights outdoors - earwigs are less attracted to these than standard white lights.

• Maintain your yard and clear away debris and excess mulch.

Conclusion

Earwigs may not be harmful, but their presence in your home can be unsettling. The good news is you don’t have to live with them. By acting quickly and following a combination of moisture control, physical barriers, natural deterrents, and traps, you can get rid of earwigs in your house quick. For persistent infestations, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pest control professional. With a little effort, you can reclaim your home from these unwanted guests.