Sign-in to Account
Call Us

(855) 948-5816

aptive-registered-logo-white

Find Service Area

Why Earwigs Are Attracted to Your Home and How to Stop Them

Written by Aptive Environmental September 11, 2024
Close-Up Of An Earwig On A Green Leaf, Showcasing Its Pincers And Segmented Body Against A Blurred Leafy Background.

Have you ever turned on a light in your bathroom only to see a scurrying, pincer-wielding insect? You might have encountered an earwig if you live in a damp climate or have a garden. While these insects might appear menacing, they are more scared of you than you are of them. That doesn’t mean you want them in your home, though.

This guide will explain what attracts earwigs to your home and how to eliminate them effectively.

Why Earwigs Are Attracted to Your Home

Earwigs are drawn to moisture, so it’s no surprise that your home might attract them with its potential for damp areas. Here’s a closer look at what might be making your house appealing to these unwanted guests:

  • Moisture: Earwigs need moisture to survive. Leaky pipes, overflowing gutters, and excessively damp basements create the perfect breeding ground for these insects.
  • Food sources: Earwigs are omnivores with a preference for decaying organic matter. This includes leaf litter, mulch, and food crumbs.
  • Shelter: Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer dark, damp crevices for shelter. These can be found in cracks in your foundation, behind peeling wallpaper, or underneath piles of clutter.

3 Earwig Entry Points: How They Get Into Your Home

Now that you know why earwigs find your home appealing, let’s identify the most common entry points:

  1. Cracks and gaps: Earwigs can squeeze through small openings. Inspect your foundation, window frames, and door thresholds for cracks or gaps.
  2. Vents and openings: Vents around your foundation and dryer vents can be access points for earwigs. Ensure they are properly screened.
  3. Door sweeps: A faulty door sweep is an easy entry point for earwigs. Your door sweeps should make good contact with the floor.

6 Steps to Remove an Earwig Infestation

If you’re dealing with an earwig infestation, taking swift action is key to preventing these pests from spreading. Follow these steps to remove earwigs from your home effectively:

  1. Locate infestation areas: Identify where earwigs are most active, focusing on damp, dark places like basements, bathrooms, and under sinks.
  2. Eliminate moisture sources: Address any moisture issues by fixing leaky pipes, clearing clogged gutters, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
  3. Clear potential hiding spots: Remove piles of leaves, mulch, and other debris from around your home’s foundation. Reduce clutter in storage areas and avoid leaving wet towels or clothes on the floor.
  4. Seal entry points: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps that earwigs might use to enter. Seal these openings with caulk or weatherstripping.
  5. Set traps: Use simple traps like rolled-up newspapers, damp cardboard, or bowls filled with oil to catch earwigs overnight. Dispose of the traps in the morning.
  6. Apply insecticides: If earwigs persist, apply insecticidal sprays or dusts specifically labeled for earwigs in areas where they are active. Follow the instructions carefully for safe use.

Earwig Infestation Prevention: 4 Strategies & Best Practices to Keep Them Out

In addition to the steps to eliminate earwig infestation, here are some tactics you can use to prevent these pests from invading your properties:

  1. Yard maintenance: Keep your yard free of debris like leaf litter and fallen branches. Rake up leaves regularly and avoid letting mulch pile up directly against your foundation.
  2. Inspect your properties regularly: Check your home and yard for signs of earwig activity at least once a month to catch early signs of an infestation.
  3. Set preventive treatments: Schedule seasonal treatments with a professional pest control service every three months to keep earwigs and other pests at bay.
  4. Get professional help: Consider calling a professional pest control service if your earwig infestation is overwhelming. They have the expertise and tools to manage the problem with tailored earwig pest control service.

Keep Earwigs Out with Aptive

Don’t let earwigs make themselves at home—take action now. You can maintain a comfortable living space by addressing the factors that attract these pests and sealing off their entry points.

If you’re dealing with a serious infestation or want to ensure long-term prevention, contact Aptive. Our expert team is ready to help you create a tailored pest control plan that keeps your home cozy and well-protected from pests.

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

Close-Up Of A Black Ant On A Green Leaf With Water Droplets.

Pest Control: The Lifecycle of Pests

Pests are a nuisance to homeowners, and can cause a lot of damage to property, as well as health risks to humans and pets. To effectively control pests, it is important to understand their lifecycle and behavior. In this article, we will explore the lifecycle of...

Feb 17, 2023
Aptive Employee Standing In The Front Yard Talking To A Customer.

Best Time for Pest Control Services: When to Act

When it comes to pest control services, timing is everything. Imagine this: it's a beautiful summer evening, the grill is fired up, and friends are coming for a backyard barbecue. But as you open the back door, you're greeted by an unwelcome surprise—a parade of...

Sep 17, 2024
A Modern Kitchen Interior Showcasing A Sleek Black Sink With A Matte Black Faucet. The Kitchen Features A Wooden Countertop With Various Appliances Like A Microwave And Coffee Maker, And Is Decorated With Multiple Indoor Plants And A Small Fruit Bowl, Adding A Touch Of Nature And Color To The Space. Natural Light Streams In Through A Window, Illuminating The Area.

Tips for Preventing Pests in Your Home’s Plumbing System

Hearing strange scratching sounds coming from your walls can be unsettling. It might be mice, but it could also be sneaky pests living inside your plumbing system. While the idea might be alarming, these tips for plumbing pest prevention can help reduce the risk of...

Sep 16, 2024
A Close-Up Image Of A Six-Eyed Crab Spider (Family Thomisidae) With A Reddish-Orange Body, Capturing An Ant On A Green Leaf. The Spider'S Detailed Texture And The Fine Hairs On Its Legs Are Clearly Visible.

What is an Arachnid?

What do spiders, scorpions, and mites have in common? They belong to a larger group of animals called arachnids. While you've most likely seen a spider or two around your home, these fascinating creatures are incredibly diverse. Let's investigate what makes them...

Aug 30, 2024
A Modern Two-Story Suburban Home With Gray Siding And A Dark Roof, Illuminated By Warm Interior Lights During Sunset. The House Features A Large Three-Car Garage, Well-Manicured Lawn, And A Driveway With Reflections From Recent Rain. The Sky Is Tinged With Soft Hues Of Pink And Purple As The Day Transitions Into Evening.

Pest Control Tips for Your Garage: Keeping Rodents and Insects Out

The garage is a space designed for tools and vehicles, but it can also attract unwanted pests. These intruders can cause damage by chewing wires, nesting in stored items, and leaving unsanitary droppings behind. Garage pest control doesn't have to be a constant...

Aug 28, 2024
A Modern Kitchen With White Cabinets, A Gray Backsplash, And Stainless Steel Appliances. The Kitchen Features A Gas Stovetop With A Shiny Pot And A Bowl Of Lemons On The Marble Countertop. Brightly Colored Orange Cookware And Various Fresh Ingredients, Including Bread, Herbs, And Flowers, Add Vibrant Accents To The Space.

The Five Most Common Kitchen Pests: Identification and Prevention

Keeping your kitchen clear of pests is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Kitchen pests can be more than just a nuisance; they can also contaminate your food and spread diseases. In this article, we'll cover the five most common pests, kitchen...

Aug 23, 2024
A Modern Kitchen Featuring White Cabinets, A Large Stainless Steel Refrigerator, A Marble Countertop Island With A Sink, And A Professional-Grade Stove With Red Knobs.

How to Prevent Bugs from Nesting in Your Gutters

You might not think about your gutters often, but pests certainly do. In fact, your gutters could be the perfect haven for various bugs. Without proper gutter bug prevention, these tiny invaders can cause significant damage to your home. Let's investigate why they...

Aug 1, 2024
An Elderly Man Wearing A Light Blue Shirt And Beige Pants Is Watering A Large Green Potted Plant In A Brightly Lit Hallway With Wooden Walls And Frosted Glass Windows.

Seasonal Pest Control: Preparing Your Home for Each Season

For many homeowners, the fight against unwanted pests feels like a constant battle. But did you know that adapting your strategies to the changing seasons can significantly improve your chances of winning this war? Enter: seasonal pest control.  Throughout the...

Jul 23, 2024
A Close-Up Image Of A Brown Mouse Perched On A Weathered Wooden Fence, With A Blurred Natural Background And Some Green Leaves Visible.

The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Home Maintenance

Owning a home is a source of pride, but it also comes with the responsibility of ongoing maintenance. While tasks like fixing a leaky faucet might come to mind, don't overlook the crucial role of regular pest inspections offered by professional pest control...

Jul 23, 2024

Take back your home with pest control today.