Earwigs or pincher bugs are usually found outside the home. They like to feast on aphids, other insects, and wet leaves or decomposing plants. However, there are certain months when you may witness an earwig home invasion.
What are Earwigs?
Pincher bugs are highly flexible bugs with forceps or pinchers on their hind legs. These nocturnal critters are not particularly dangerous, like bed bugs. They don’t usually pinch humans, but if they do, it can hurt. Earwigs are attracted to decaying vegetation and moisture.
Contrary to their name, earwigs don’t really crawl into the human ear to lay eggs or set up shop. That is an old wives’ tale which has been around for thousands of years.
Natural Home Remedies
These are a few home remedies to get rid of earwigs once and for all.
- Soy Sauce and Oil Trap
The smell of soy sauce is appealing to earwigs. This is the same condiment used in Chinese cooking. Make a trap using soy sauce to catch earwigs in your home. Take any Mason jar or container with a lid and poke some holes on the top. This will allow an entryway for the critters. Mix equal parts of olive oil or vegetable oil and soy sauce. Give it a thorough mix and pour in the container.
Keep the container in damp areas around your home. Earwigs will crawl into the container and the oil will effectively trap them. You may need to change the mixture a few times.
- Alcohol and Water Spray
Another great way to get rid of earwigs is to make an alcohol spray. Mix equal parts of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol with tap water and pour into a 32-ounce bottle. Use it as a spray to kill the earwigs wherever you see them. Make sure you don’t use it excessively on furniture, as alcohol can leave a stain or fade fabric color.
- Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural pest control measure and useful on various insects. Spread a fine layer of diatomaceous earth around the foundation of your home and on your plants. Diatomaceous earth is a desiccant and will quickly draw out moisture from earwigs as they crawl across it. Diatomaceous earth also has microscopic sharp edges like shattered glass. This will cut their shell and speed up the moisture loss process.
Call the Professionals
Earwigs are a common problem across San Diego. They can quickly become a nuisance if the conditions are right. While they may not be particularly harmful insects, they can still invade your home and cause an infestation. They like wet, cool, and dark environments. Home remedies may not always be effective.
You should consider calling professionals if none of the above mentioned remedies work. M Exterminators are expert at pest control and can quickly take care of the problem. Get in touch with us today by calling at 619-375-0220 or using our online form. We use a combination of techniques guaranteed to rid your property of earwigs.
