Pest of the Month: Earwigs

Earwigs often surprise homeowners when they suddenly appear in large numbers. These small insects, with their distinctive pincers, can cause concern even though they rarely pose serious harm. Understanding what attracts earwigs and how to prevent them can help keep your home and garden free from these unwelcome visitors.

Close-up of an earwig showing pincers on a green leaf

What Attracts Earwigs

Earwigs thrive in environments that provide moisture, shelter, and food sources. They are nocturnal insects, hiding during the day and becoming active at night. Here are some key factors that attract earwigs:

Moisture

Earwigs prefer damp and humid conditions. They are often found in areas with high moisture such as under mulch, leaf piles, flower pots, and garden debris. Leaky outdoor faucets or poorly drained soil can create ideal habitats.

Shelter

These insects seek dark, tight spaces to hide during daylight hours. Cracks in walls, gaps under doors, wood piles, and dense vegetation offer perfect hiding spots. Earwigs can also enter homes through small openings near windows or doors.

Food Sources

Earwigs are omnivores. They feed on a variety of plants, decaying organic matter, and small insects. Gardens with abundant flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees can attract earwigs looking for food. They may also damage seedlings and soft fruits.

Light

Although earwigs are nocturnal, they can be attracted to outdoor lights at night. Porch lights or garden lamps can draw them closer to homes.

Understanding these attractions helps in identifying potential problem areas around your property.

How to Prevent Earwigs

Preventing earwigs involves reducing their access to food, moisture, and shelter. Here are practical steps to keep them away:

Reduce Moisture

Fix any leaks in outdoor faucets and irrigation systems. Improve drainage around your home to avoid standing water. Avoid overwatering plants and remove excess mulch or damp debris near foundations.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and openings around windows, doors, and vents. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these areas. Installing door sweeps can block entry under exterior doors.

Remove Shelter

Clear away piles of leaves, grass clippings, and wood near your home. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and elevate it off the ground. Trim back dense vegetation that touches the building.

Limit Outdoor Lighting

Use yellow or sodium vapor bulbs for outdoor lighting, which are less attractive to insects. Turn off unnecessary lights at night to reduce earwig attraction.

Use Natural Deterrents

Some gardeners find success with diatomaceous earth sprinkled around garden beds or near entry points. This natural powder damages the exoskeleton of insects, reducing their numbers.

Regular Garden Maintenance

Keep your garden tidy by removing decaying plant material and fallen fruit. Healthy plants are less vulnerable to earwig damage.

Professional Treatments

Applying a professional exterior treatment can create a protective barrier.

Garden bed showing mulch and trimmed plants to reduce earwig habitat

By combining these methods, you can create an environment that is less inviting to earwigs and protect your home and garden from infestations.

At Pest Guard we specialize in controlling earwigs with effective, long-lasting treatments that keep them outside where they belong.

Contact us today to protect your home from seasonal pests!