7 Chemical-Free Solutions to Keep Earwigs Out of Your House

If you’ve ever spotted those creepy little earwigs scurrying around your home, you know how unnerving they can be. But here’s the thing — reaching for harsh chemicals isn’t always the best answer. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about natural ways to handle pests, and earwigs are no exception. They thrive in damp, dark places, and while they’re mostly harmless, having them invade your space can feel frustrating.

So, I want to share with you seven eco-friendly methods that actually work to get rid of earwigs — without risking your health or the environment. Let’s dive in and get your home earwig-free, the natural way.

1. Natural Traps: Harnessing Earwigs’ Habits

Earwigs prefer dark, damp hiding spots — hum is natural behavior ka faida utha sakte hain. Yeh traps aap ghar par easily bana sakte hain, bina kisi chemical ke:

• Damp Newspaper Rolls
  • Take some old newspapers and roll them tightly.
  • Moisten the roll slightly so it’s damp but not dripping.
  • Place these rolls in areas where you’ve seen earwigs — like basements, gardens, or near doorways.
  • Earwigs will crawl inside to seek shelter during the day.
  • Every morning, check the rolls and shake out or dispose of any earwigs hiding inside.
  • Repeat daily until you notice fewer earwigs around.
• Cardboard Tube Traps
  • Use empty cardboard tubes (like toilet paper or paper towel rolls).
  • Stuff them loosely with dry straw or shredded paper.
  • Seal the outside with tape so the earwigs can’t escape easily.
  • Place these traps in dark corners or garden beds where earwigs are active.
  • They’ll hide inside the tubes during the day.
  • Check traps daily and discard trapped earwigs.
• DIY Oil Traps
  • Fill a shallow container with vegetable oil or any cooking oil.
  • Place the container near infested areas — earwigs are attracted and get stuck in the oil.
  • Empty and refill as needed.
  • This method is very effective for quick reduction of earwig numbers.

For more detailed, expert-backed info on these natural trapping methods, you can visit the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management.

These traps use earwigs’ own habits against them, providing you with safe, chemical-free ways to lower their population. It’s practical, easy to do, and perfect for anyone who wants to avoid harsh pesticides.

2. Natural Repellents: Deterring Earwigs Effectively

Using natural repellents is a smart way to keep earwigs at bay without chemicals. These are easy, safe options you can whip up at home:

• Garlic Spray
  • Garlic naturally repels many insects, including earwigs.
  • Crush a few garlic cloves and mix with water to make a spray.
  • Spray this mixture around infested areas like doorways, window sills, and garden beds.
  • Reapply after rain or watering.
• Essential Oils
  • Oils like peppermint, lavender, and citrus have strong insect-repelling properties.
  • Mix a few drops of any of these oils with water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray around entry points, baseboards, and outdoor plants to deter earwigs.

Both options use common household ingredients, making them a safe and eco-friendly alternative to harsh pesticides.

3. Physical Barriers: Preventing Earwig Entry

Stopping earwigs before they get inside is one of the best ways to protect your home and garden. Physical barriers work by blocking their access:

• Petroleum Jelly Barriers
  • Apply a ring of petroleum jelly around plant stems.
  • This sticky barrier prevents earwigs from climbing up and damaging your plants.
• Gravel or Stone Borders
  • Create a 12–18 inch wide border of gravel or stones around the perimeter of your house.
  • This reduces the damp hiding spots where earwigs like to hang out.

These methods physically block earwigs and reduce future infestations by cutting off their entry and shelter options.

For more eco-friendly repellents and barrier methods, check out the detailed guide from Southern Living.

These sections offer you easy, chemical-free solutions that prevent earwigs from invading in the first place — saving you time and stress later on.

4. Habitat Modification: Making Your Home Less Inviting

If you really want to get rid of earwigs for good, the best approach is to make your home and garden less welcoming to them. Earwigs love damp, cluttered spaces where they can hide easily, so if you remove those conditions, they’re less likely to stick around.

• Reduce Moisture Levels: I always say, start by fixing any leaks or dripping pipes you have. Moisture is like a magnet for earwigs. You can also use a dehumidifier in damp rooms or basements to keep the air dry. Make sure areas like crawl spaces, attics, and closets are well ventilated — that way, you’re cutting off the humidity earwigs need to survive. Just like earwigs, other unwanted guests such as bats can also be attracted to damp or poorly sealed areas in your home. If you want to learn how to prevent bats from invading, check out these 5 easy fixes to stop bats from invading your home.
• Eliminate Hiding Spots: Next, clear away any debris, leaf piles, mulch, or wood stacks near your home’s foundation. Earwigs love to hide under all these damp materials. Also, trim back any overgrown plants or bushes touching your walls or windows — those plants create perfect shady spots for earwigs to hide during the day. While clearing away debris and overgrown plants, it’s also helpful to avoid common DIY lawn care mistakes that can unintentionally create pest-friendly environments around your yard.

Taking these steps changes the environment so earwigs won’t want to stick around. It might take some effort upfront, but this approach will save you from repeat infestations down the road.

5. Encouraging Natural Predators: Nature’s Pest Control

Nature is pretty smart — it gives us helpers like birds and frogs that love to eat earwigs. Instead of trying to fight earwigs alone, why not work with these natural pest controllers?

• You can attract birds by putting up feeders and birdbaths near your garden or yard.
• Frogs and toads also eat earwigs and thrive where there’s clean water and shelter. Adding a small pond or a water dish can encourage them to stick around.
• Planting native shrubs and flowers creates safe habitats for these predators, which benefits your garden’s health overall.

I find this method very rewarding because not only does it help with earwigs, but it also promotes a healthy, balanced outdoor space.

6. Beneficial Nematodes: Biological Control Agents

If you want to get a bit more high-tech but still natural, beneficial nematodes are your friends. These are microscopic worms that live in the soil and hunt down earwig larvae before they even become a problem.

• They’re completely safe for your plants, pets, and family — no chemicals here.
• You just apply them to your garden or soil according to the instructions, and they do the rest.
• This tackles the earwig problem at its source, stopping the next generation before it starts.

I like to think of nematodes as a tiny army working underground to keep your garden pest-free without any extra effort from you.

For more in-depth tips on these natural, long-term solutions, check out this helpful guide from The Spruce.

By changing your home’s environment, inviting nature’s helpers, and using smart biological controls, you’re addressing the real reasons earwigs come back — giving you peace of mind and a pest-free home for good.

7. Regular Cleaning & Yard Maintenance: Keep Earwigs at Bay Naturally

You might not realize it, but one of the simplest ways to prevent earwigs is by staying on top of cleaning and yard work. Earwigs love damp, cluttered spots both inside and outside your home, so regular maintenance makes a big difference.

• Keep Damp Areas Clean: I always make sure to sweep out basements, garages, and patios regularly. These are prime spots where moisture can build up and earwigs can hide. You can do this too — just a quick sweep or wipe down can stop earwigs from feeling comfortable around your living space.
• Remove Leaf Litter, Mulch, and Debris: Outside, clear away leaf piles, mulch, and any garden debris near your house. These spots are like a five-star hotel for earwigs looking for shelter. Getting rid of them means fewer places for earwigs to hide and breed.
• Keep Gutters Clean and Dry: Gutters clogged with leaves hold moisture, creating a humid environment near your walls and foundation. Make it a habit to clean them out so water flows freely and the area stays dry. Along with regular cleaning and yard upkeep, small budget-friendly home upgrades can also improve your home’s overall pest resistance and curb appeal. Check out these 13 budget-friendly home upgrades under $200 that can make a big difference.

This simple but consistent effort reduces the chances of earwigs settling in and keeps your home naturally protected.

Regular cleaning and yard upkeep is a natural, low-cost way to deny earwigs their favorite hangouts — which means fewer pests and less hassle for you.

Embracing Eco-Friendly Earwig Control

Dealing with earwigs doesn’t mean you have to reach for harsh chemicals. By using these natural methods—traps, repellents, habitat changes, and a little regular upkeep—you’re not just protecting your home, but also the environment around it.

I encourage you to try these strategies yourself and see how effective they can be. Once you start, you’ll notice fewer earwigs and a healthier, happier living space—without any toxic sprays.

Which method will you try first? Or do you have a natural tip that’s worked for you? Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

For more helpful home tips, visit Build Like New.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date advice, individual results may vary. Always exercise caution when handling any substances or implementing pest control methods. If you have a severe infestation or health concerns, consider consulting a professional pest control service.