Earwig Control: Prevention and Treatment for Your Home & Garden

Earwigs (reddish-brown, ⅝", distinctive rear pincers) are nocturnal omnivores that damage seedlings, flowers, and soft fruit. While they rarely harm humans, large populations are a nuisance indoors and out.

Outdoor Prevention

• Reduce moisture: Fix leaks, improve drainage, direct downspouts away from foundation.
• Modify habitat: Replace wood mulch with gravel near foundations; clear leaf litter, stacked timber, and dense groundcovers.
• Light management: Use yellow "bug" LEDs; shield fixtures to shine down, not toward the house.
• Seal entry points: Caulk cracks, install door sweeps, repair screens.

Indoor Control

• Vacuum visible earwigs (empty bag outside).
• Apply boric acid or diatomaceous earth in cracks, under sinks, along baseboards.
• Reduce indoor humidity with dehumidifiers and exhaust fans.

When to Call a Pro

Persistent infestations, especially with indoor breeding, warrant professional pest control. They can apply targeted treatments and design a long-term exclusion plan.

Consistent moisture control and yard sanitation are the foundation of earwig management.