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There are many reasons why you might want to get rid of earwigs. These pests can damage crops and gardens, especially if they appear in large numbers. They also tend to come out at night and are known for scuttling into people’s homes, which can be rather alarming! If you have an infestation or think that you might soon have one, the good news is there are plenty of earwig spray and DIY solutions to help you get rid of earwigs. Let’s take a look at some popular methods…
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What are Earwigs?
Earwigs are insects that are found across the world. In fact, there are over 2,500 different species of earwig, which are mainly found in warm and tropical areas. Earwigs are omnivores, so they eat both plants and animals. If you have an infestation of earwigs, you may notice droppings, as well as pieces of leaves, petals, and other plant material in your home. Earwigs are reddish-brown and have segmented bodies. They are nocturnal insects, which means they are most active at night time.
Adult earwigs can grow to be between one and one and a half inches long. They have long antennae and six legs. The other defining feature of earwigs is the pincers on their rear ends, which are called cerci. These cerci are used to defend against predators and are also used to help the earwigs mate.
Earwig Sprays
Although earwigs are not considered a pest by many, they should be controlled to protect gardens and homes. To do so, you can use traditional insecticides. Insecticides are chemicals that kill specific insects by controlling their development.
Sprays and pesticides work by killing the adults and destroying their eggs and young. Sprays are usually applied to the outside of your home through an air vent, or to an outside surface such as a patio or porch. Insecticides can be used in conjunction with sprays to kill adult earwigs on a large scale.
Some notable types of earwig sprays include a hose or a sprayer attachment. When using a sprayer, you should make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pesticides are also effective when used in a concentrated form and are applied directly to the earwigs themselves. Make sure to follow the instructions, and you should be fine!
DIY Earwig Removal
You may also want to consider using traps if you live in an area where earwigs are common. These traps are specifically designed to catch adult earwigs before they develop into adults and multiply.
Sticky tape trap
Earwigs are attracted to light, so you can use this to your advantage to make a sticky tape trap. First, cut a piece of sticky tape into a diamond shape. Next, place the tape on a dark surface near an entry point that earwigs might use, such as a gate or door. Be careful not to put the tape somewhere that people or animals are likely to walk. Earwigs are attracted to the light, so they will scuttle toward the diamond shape. Once they get stuck, you can dispose of them.
Diatomaceous earth trap
Diatomaceous earth is made out of the fossils of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. It is a white substance that is often used to kill pests such as earwigs. Diatomaceous earth works by slicing the exoskeleton of insects that come into contact with it. This means that insects are unable to regulate their body temperature and die from dehydration.
Here’s how you can make an effective trap using diatomaceous earth to kill earwigs. First, put a thin layer of diatomaceous earth on a tray. Make sure the tray is big enough for the earwigs to have easy access to all sides. Next, place the tray in an area full of light that is likely to be visited by earwigs. Putting the tray near an entry point that earwigs might use is the most practical way to do this, such as a door or gate.
Salt and vinegar trap
Earwigs are attracted to light, so you can use this to your advantage to make a salt and vinegar trap.
First, place a bowl of vinegar in the area where you have seen earwigs. You can also place the bowl near an entry point that earwigs might use, such as a door or gate. Next, put salt in the bowl of vinegar. Earwigs are attracted to the vinegar, as well as any warmth or light that might be in the area, and will walk inside the bowl. Once they are inside the bowl, they will not be able to get out again and will likely drown.
Boric acid and flour
Boric acid is a common substance for killing earwigs, but you can use it along with flour to make a simple trap. First, mix boric acid with flour in a bowl. Next, put the bowl in an area where you have seen earwigs or near an entry point that earwigs might use, such as a door or gate. Earwigs are attracted to the mixture and will walk inside. Once inside, they are unable to climb out again, and will die.
For more earwig trap ideas, check out this article.
Conclusion
Earwigs are unwanted guests in many gardens and homes. Luckily, there are lots of effective DIY solutions to help you get rid of earwigs. Many of these solutions rely on insects to control the earwigs, meaning they are a natural way of getting rid of these pests. If you are struggling with earwigs, you should be able to find a solution that works for you.
