An earwig can enter your home in two main ways. Either they find a way in on their own, or they are unknowingly brought in by the homeowner.

If earwigs have gotten in on their own, they can do so in several different ways. Most often, earwigs enter homes through cracks and crevices that provide access and entry points from the outside in. These cracks can be poorly sealed doors and windows, or more serious fissures, such as those in your foundation. 

It's also possible that you brought an object into your home that earwigs had previously inhabited. This could include various items such as newspapers, boxes, or plants. 

Another reason earwigs might enter your home is due to the conditions both inside and outside. Sometimes, earwigs come inside if they are attracted to light. Additionally, if the earwigs' preferred outdoor habitat changes, they may seek refuge inside your home.

If outdoor conditions become too hot or too dry, they may enter your home and seek refuge in a damp place. Earwigs prefer cool, humid environments , and if the inside of your home offers these conditions while the outside does not, they will come inside.

Unlike termites or other insects that can destroy your home from the inside, earwigs are relatively harmless and non-destructive.

Earwigs don't want to be inside your house. The only reason they're there is if they found their way in accidentally or were forced inside because the outside conditions were too harsh for them to survive. This is a good thing, because it means they aren't looking for anything in your house. Furthermore, earwigs aren't destructive. However, they do give off an unpleasant odor.

One of the most popular methods for getting rid of earwigs using only natural ingredients is the use of essential oils. Some essential oils have scents that earwigs dislike. 

Peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and basil are among the best scents for repelling earwigs. To diffuse these scents throughout your home, simply add a few drops of essential oil to water to dilute it. Then use a humidifier to diffuse it, or put it in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas.

The main thing to be wary of when using perfumes and essential oils is that some can be harmful to pets, so be sure to do your research before applying them in your home.

Below are the most common signs of an earwig infestation:

Smell

As mentioned earlier, the odor emitted by earwigs is unpleasant. This disagreeable smell is often the first sign that you might have an earwig infestation, as it's hard to ignore. In addition to their foul odor, if they are frightened or rushed, they release a yellow substance that smells even worse.

Plants and dead leaves

If you've recently noticed your plants and leaves are dying , you may have an earwig infestation. While they can be beneficial to your garden, as earwigs eat aphids from fruit, they also feed on leaf litter and other plants and flowers.

If you notice signs of an earwig infestation, you'll want to address the problem as quickly as possible to prevent a larger infestation. It's recommended that you contact a pest control company like RD , which can help you eliminate the earwigs and prevent future infestations.

01. Spray the area 

There are several different solutions for getting rid of earwigs. One of them is to mix water and dish soap . If you spray this mixture on the infested areas, it will prevent the earwigs from returning. You can also prepare a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. By mixing equal parts rubbing alcohol and water , and then spraying it directly on the earwigs, you will kill them instantly.

02. Oil and soy sauce

This is an excellent solution that can be made with household items. Simply mix equal parts soy sauce and olive or vegetable oil and place the mixture in a container. Once the container is half full, make holes in the top, just large enough for the earwigs to crawl through. 

Next, place the container in the area where you suspect the earwigs are present. The earwigs are attracted to the smell of soy sauce and will crawl into the container. Once inside, they will drown. You can then dispose of the mixture and the earwigs.

03. Vacuum the insects

Since earwigs don't have a group mentality, you won't necessarily find a large number of them in the same place at the same time. Therefore, if they are easily accessible, you can simply vacuum them up .

Since earwigs don't necessarily want to be in your home, this solution can be permanent. However, if specific conditions inside your house attract the insects, this solution will only be temporary, and you will need to address the source of the attraction, such as a damp environment.

04. Pest control

As with any type of infestation, the best way to deal with it is to call a pest control company, such as RD . While there are home remedies that can help you get rid of earwigs, they are not always effective.

RD specializes in eco-friendly pest control throughout Quebec. Our team offers residential , commercial , and agricultural services to ensure your peace of mind year-round. You can also check out our various packages if you want to prevent future pest infestations!