TLDR: Earwigs get inside through gaps at doors, foundation cracks, and unscreened vents. They’re drawn by moisture and outdoor lights, especially July through September. They don’t breed indoors and aren’t dangerous. To keep them out: seal cracks, fix leaks, thin mulch away from foundations, and switch to yellow bug lights. Oil-can traps work well for catching ones that get in.
Keep finding earwigs inside your home? These small, dark critters often enter homes in late summer. As a registered technician with four years in the field, I’ve dealt with many earwig issues.
Earwigs wander inside by accident or when looking for shelter. They hide in firewood piles or behind plants. As conditions change outdoors, they seek the moisture and cover your home provides.
Pest Profile: Why Earwigs Become Indoor Pests
Earwigs are more of a nuisance than a danger. They have pincers on the end of their abdomen that look scary but rarely break skin. In the Mid-Atlantic, you’ll mainly see European and ring-legged earwigs. They hide in soil crevices outdoors during the day.
Understanding How Do Earwigs Get in Your House
Peak entry happens July-September when outdoor soil dries or floods after storms. During periods of prolonged dry weather, earwigs crawl along damp walls to find moist conditions near the house.
They’re drawn to porch lights and can cluster on window sills and door thresholds. Garden lighting plays a role; bright lights near the home are attracting earwigs. This behavior speeds entering your home.
Earwig invasions typically peak from July through September when outdoor conditions become too dry or too wet. This is when they’re most likely to seek shelter indoors.
Identification: How to Find Earwigs Inside
Recognizing Key Physical Traits
Like many insects, earwigs are about 1/2-1 inch long with a flat, reddish-brown body. You’ll spot forceps on the end of the abdomen. Nymphs look like smaller, paler versions without wings.
Typical Indoor Harborage Spots
Indoors, earwigs hide along baseboards, under sinks, and in crawl space vents. You might also find earwigs in your home behind appliances or in damp closets. They squeeze into small cracks and crevices to stay hidden.
Conducive Conditions Near the House That Attract Earwigs
Moist Conditions Near the House
Leaky faucets and AC units drench soil near your foundation. Water from rain gutters creates damp areas. Wet leaves and rotted wood near foundations give earwigs perfect hiding spots.
Landscape Mulch and Rotting Wood
Thick landscape mulch and mulch beds against walls stay moist. Piles of firewood and stones give daytime cover. Decaying plant matter and rotting wood create ideal earwig habitat near your home.
Gutter Problems and Improper Spout Direction
Clogged gutter spouts often dump water too close to the foundation. Rain gutters and spouts away from the house foundation help keep moisture moving away from walls.
Pathways Exploited by Earwigs to Enter Your Home
Cracks and Crevices in Foundations
Earwigs flatten to under 1/8 inch and slip through small cracks in foundation walls. These points of entry let them enter houses easily.
Doors, Windows, and Threshold Gaps
Missing door sweeps and gaps in doors and windows invite earwigs. Sealing these gaps stops earwigs from coming inside.
Crawl Space and Floor Joint Vulnerabilities
Unscreened vents give earwigs direct crawl space access. They enter by accident or when seeking shelter in floor joist gaps.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs Once Inside
Mechanical Traps and Cardboard Rolled Traps
To get rid of earwigs, set oil-filled can traps near walls. Bait with bacon drippings and fish oil. Earwigs enter traps in search of food. Empty daily for best catch.
Vacuum Removal and Soapy Water Wipes
Vacuum clusters of earwigs and spray a light soap mist on walls. That erases scent trails and cuts earwig numbers quickly.
How to Keep Earwigs Out of Your House
Sealing Small Cracks and Crevices
Seal cracks and crevices bigger than 1/8 inch with silicone. Even tiny crevice gaps let earwigs in.
Eliminating Damp and Moisture Triggers
Fix leaks under sinks and faucet areas, slope soil away from walls, and use a dehumidifier in basements. All steps help eliminate damp spots indoors.
Managing Mulch and Outdoor Debris
Keep mulch depth under 2 inches and pull it 12 inches from the foundation. Clear dead leaves, decaying plant bits, and move firewood away from the house.
Professional Pest Control Options to Keep Earwigs Out
When to Call a Pest Control Technician
If you keep finding earwigs after DIY fixes, call our licensed technicians. We offer free unlimited callbacks until we clear your earwig infestation. Check our service price guide for details.
Better Termite & Pest Control’s Long-Term Approach
Our expert phone consultation includes a 78-point inspection inside and outside your home. We use EPA-approved products vetted by our research team in our seasonal pest control plan.
With the right combo of sealing, moisture control, and trapping, you can keep earwigs from becoming a problem. For questions or an estimate, call us at 703-683-2000 or email info@bettertermite.com.
