How to get rid of earwigs fast?

How To Get Rid Of Earwigs Fast?

07/04/2024
 

Earwigs are a troublesome living pest for homeowners, gardeners, and anyone dealing with pest control. These small insects can invade homes and gardens, destroying the house's beautiful and calm atmosphere.

These reptiles can be seen moving under rocks, logs, and other debris objects or can even dig into the ground. Some earwig species are social. They live in large groups. Others are solitary. They can cause harm to the plants when their numbers get too high.

Earwigs eat plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental flowers. Their eating habits can create holes in leaves or petals, harming the plant's health and appearance. In severe cases, earwigs may eat young seedlings or buds. 

These insects are commonly found in damp, dark environments like underground spaces, bathrooms, and basements. They can also enter through cracks and gaps around windows and doors. Regular home maintenance and control methods can help how to get rid of earwigs and reduce the damage they cause. 

Growcycle products are effective. They include Insect and Pest Control Sprays and Insect Sticky Traps. These products can control earwig populations. They use natural components that are non-toxic to people and animals and safe for the environment.

What Do Earwigs Mean

What Do Earwigs Mean?

Tiny, scary insects with pincers on their backs are called earwigs. Despite their frightening look, most earwigs are safe for people to handle. Typically, they are nocturnal creatures that spend the day hiding in damp, dark locations before emerging at night to eat.

Earwigs can damage crops in home gardens by feeding on young plants and flowers. They love tender, juicy stems and leaves. They chew on or cut them, causing wilting and stunted growth. In severe cases, earwig infestations can result in significant crop loss. House owners must check for signs of earwig damage often and, if necessary, take steps to control them. This will protect their garden from these pests.

Growth Process of Earwigs

So, like other insects of the Dermaptera order, earwigs do not have a pupal stage. They go through only incomplete metamorphosis. Their life cycle includes three phases: egg, nymph, and adult. Female earwigs lay their eggs in groups in the sheltered and humid regions. These eggs produce nymphs, and these stages seem to be miniature forms of adult bugs. In several molts, nymphs develop or transform into mature adults.

Suitable Growing Environment

Species of earwigs are mostly found in warmth, moist and dark areas and due to these aspects, indoor decorations such as houseplants are perfect homes for the insects. They also tend to be located in regions with high humidity, including kitchens and other places like washrooms or garages. 

Thus, to avoid the attack of earwigs, it is advisable to ensure that the house is properly ventilated and free from humidity. This involves eliminating any sources of dampness like broken pipes or faulty drains and ensuring plants are adequately watered without soggy surfaces.

Diet and Behavior

Earwigs are omnivorous. They mainly feed on rotten trees, fungi, and other insects and bugs that they can catch. Their diverse diet allows them to flourish in a variety of environments. However, they can be more problematic within gardens since they feed on young plants and flowers.

Effective and Fast Ways about How to Get Rid of Earwigs

In order to get rid of earwigs, homeowners must take the following steps:

1. Seal Entry Points: The simplest way to manage earwigs is to prevent them from invading the house in the first place. Fill in the gaps around the windows and doors, the foundation, and all the other breaches that a rat might deem fit to penetrate. Seal these areas using caulk or weather strips to make the house less permeable.

2. Reduce Moisture: Since earwigs are attracted to moisture, reducing humidity levels in a home is important. Use dehumidifiers, repair leaking pipes, and ensure sufficient ventilation in wet spaces like bathrooms and basements. Dry out any wet areas promptly to deter earwigs from settling in.

3. Natural Remedies: There are natural ways that one can use to ensure that these pests are eradicated from the home without the use of chemicals. For instance, an organic gel called Diatomaceous earth could be used as a pesticide; it is a nonpoisonous powder that could be applied along the fence circle of a house. It instantly dries up and kills earwigs on contact. There are also other remedies that may be tried in the management of earwigs through spraying, such as cedarwood, neem oil, and others.

4. Use Baits and Traps: Horiver Sticky Traps are useful tools for catching and getting rid of earwigs. A simple trap placed on an infested area overnight can catch earwigs. The dampness will draw in earwigs, hiding inside the trap. In the morning, get rid of the trap containing the earwigs. People can also trap and drown earwigs in shallow dishes filled with vegetable oil. 

5. Chemical Control: However, if natural methods do not work then the homeowners can opt for insecticides. Earwigs can be controlled either through contact sprays that have pyrethrin or dust that has carbaryl in it. Also, when using chemical treatments always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions especially on safety measures to be observed.

How to Keep Earwigs Away from House

How to Keep Earwigs Away from House: Tips and Tricks

Homeowners should take the following measures to prevent these insects:

Keep Clean Environment

Maintaining a clean home and garden can greatly decrease the risk of an earwig outbreak. Clear up any organic matter, clutter, and debris that earwigs might use as a haven or food source. Clean gutters and downspouts to avoid water accumulation.

Area Management

In the garden, minimize moist, shady areas where earwigs like to hide. Trim back overgrown vegetation and keep mulch and compost piles away from the house's foundation. Consider using gravel or stones in place of mulch in areas close to the house.

Lighting

Earwigs are attracted to bright lights. To minimize their attraction, reduce outdoor lighting or use yellow, bug-repellent bulbs. Indoors, avoid leaving lights on for extended periods, especially near entry points.

FAQs

What are earwigs, and why is this insect considered a house pest?

They are small brown insects that can destroy crops, house plants, and structures. It can commonly be identified in areas with high humidity and low ventilation, including basements, bath areas, and crawl rooms.

Are Earwigs dangerous to human beings?

Not all earwigs are necessarily dangerous, as some are harmless to human beings. They have these pincers, which, to an extent, resemble claws, but they hardly ever use them to pinch humans. Contrary to other pests, earwigs cannot transmit diseases.

What are the signs of earwig infestation in the house?

Indications of earwigs in the house could include seeing them around or after dark and in humid conditions or noticing damage to plants, wallpaper, or fabric. They may also leave behind their distinct odor or droppings.

The Bottom Line

So, it is very easy how to get rid of earwigs in house fast as they can be removed quickly and without much difficulty. Homeowners can maintain a bug-free home. They just need to understand bugs' behavior, take preventive steps, and use control methods.

Using safe, eco-friendly products can help. They are like those offered by Growcycle. They will help to eliminate these pests and achieve success in the long term without affecting other beneficial insects or plants. These pests can hinder the pleasures of gardening and it is for this reason that they must be controlled. Take charge of Growcycle's line of products and experience an abundant and vibrant garden any season!

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Victor Miller LinkedIn

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.