How to Get Rid of Earwigs by Apex Pest Control

What is an Earwig Infestation?

Earwigs, also called pincher bugs, are a common household pest. They have an undeserved reputation for crawling into people’s ears, but they are actually harmless and good for the ecosystem. Like boxelder bugs, earwigs don’t actually want to be indoors, and would prefer to live outside, but may accidentally end up in your house when its cold or too hot and dry. These insects like cool, damp areas, so you are likely to find them in your bathroom or basement. While they don’t crawl into ears or bite people, they can damage plants and fabric by chewing on things in your house. Earwigs eat decaying plant matter and other insects, which is why they are beneficial in your yard and garden. They help manage the populations of destructive insects like spider mites and aphids, both by eating them and by depriving them of places to hide.

How to Exterminate Earwigs

Even though they are not harmful to humans, earwigs are still not creatures you want in your home. They smell bad, and they can be rough on your houseplants and the fruits and vegetables in your kitchen. They also multiply quickly, so if you see one in your house, you can assume there are many others. You can kill them with pesticides, or by calling in a professional pest control company.

Preventing Future Earwig Problems

The best option, however, is to keep them from getting into your home in the first place. You can start by removing leaf piles, excess vegetation, and stored wood from around the house, and keeping mulch and other vegetation at least six inches away from the foundation. Keep your gutters and downspouts clean, and seal any cracks or crevices around the foundation to keep them from gaining entry to your home. Repair leaky faucets, and keep your home free from excess moisture. Vacuum regularly, to keep your home free from debris, and don’t shy away from vacuuming up any earwigs you encounter. Then, consider using essential oils to discourage them from coming into your home, putting a few drops of eucalyptus, cinnamon, peppermint, or lemon in any areas where you have noticed them.

Apex Pest Control Treats Earwigs in Sacramento, CA

DIY Earwig Pest Control

For earwig extermination, home remedies can sometimes be effective. If you prefer natural, chemical-free solutions, you might want to give some of these a try before calling in a professional pest control company.

Soap: Spraying a simple solution of dishwater and soap anywhere you have noticed them crawling is an easy form of earwig insect control.
Alcohol: Use a 1:1 solution of rubbing alcohol and water, applied directly to the insects
Boric Acid: Boric acid powder is a natural solution to an earwig problem; applying it to areas of earwig activity can eradicate an infestation, and it works for other pests, too. Make sure not to put it anywhere that children are likely to get into it, though, because it can irritate the skin.
Light Traps: This is one of the simplest tricks for killing earwigs. Just fill a cup or bucket half full of soap and water and then aim a light at it. Earwigs will be attracted to the light and will fall into the bucket.
Oil and Soy Sauce: Another effective trap is a cup of oil mixed with soy sauce, left near where you have seen earwigs. They will be drawn to the smell of the soy sauce and eat it, but its high salt content will dehydrate and kill them.

Earwig Extermination and Control Methods by Apex Pest Control

At Apex Pest Control, our experts know how to exterminate earwigs in a house. Understanding that prevention is the key to eliminating infestations, we offer bimonthly pest control to eradicate earwigs and other pests. By providing preventative strategies along with extermination techniques, we can help you keep your house free of earwigs all year round, using nontoxic, long-lasting, effective integrated pest control.

Why Choose Apex Pest Control?

If you are looking for reliable and affordable earwig exterminator services in Sacramento, California, look no further than Apex Pest Control. For over 40 years, our family owned business has provided comprehensive pest control services, tailored to meet the unique needs of Sacramento homeowners. Our team of dedicated professionals, led by experienced industry experts, provides expert service to safeguard homes and businesses against pests. Striving to be leaders in the pest control industry, we continuously improve our methods, staying abreast of the latest advancements in order to exceed our customer’s expectations by providing the highest quality of service. For more information about our pest control and preventative maintenance programs, take the first step towards a pest-free home by contacting us today to schedule a consultation.