How To Get Rid of Earwigs Naturally

Earwigs aren't the most popular of creatures. In fact, they're often considered downright creepy. But don't let their appearance scare you - they're actually harmless critters that are easy to get rid of using natural methods.

So if you've been dealing with an invasion of earwigs, read on for some tips on how to get rid of them for good!

Why Earwigs? What Attracts Them To Your Garden?

If you've ever found an earwig in your garden, you may have wondered what exactly they're attracted to. While we can't say for sure what they're thinking, there are a few things that are known to attract earwigs.

One of the most common is simply having a lot of vegetation. Earwigs love places where they can hide among the leaves, so if your garden is full of lush plants, it's likely to be a target for these pests.

Another thing that can attract earwigs is moisture. They're attracted to damp environments, so if you have a water feature or regularly water your plants, earwigs may be drawn to your garden.

Finally, earwigs are attracted to light. If you have a bright light shining on your garden at night, it may be attracting these unwanted guests.

Do Earwigs Pose Danger To Your Garden?

Earwigs are one of the most feared pests in the garden, thanks to their long, segmented bodies and menacing-looking pincers. However, despite their fearsome appearance, earwigs are actually relatively harmless to both humans and plants.

They typically only feed on decaying plant matter and other small insects, and they are not known to transmit any diseases. While they can cause minor damage to seedlings and soft fruits, earwigs generally pose more of a nuisance than a threat to the garden.

Nonetheless, if you prefer an earwig-free garden, there are several methods of control, including natural and eco-friendly ways.

How To Get Rid of Earwigs Naturally

Garlic

Garlic is a natural insecticide helping deter many insects, and it's effective against earwigs.

Just plant some garlic cloves around the perimeter of your garden, and the earwigs will stay away.

You can also make a garlic spray by chopping up a few cloves of garlic and adding them to a quart of water. Let the mixture steep for 24 hours, then strain out the garlic and use the spray on your plants. Earwigs will stay away, and your plants will be safe from harm.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is another effective natural remedy for these pests.

Mix equal parts cayenne pepper and water, and spray the mixture around the perimeter of your garden. You can also use plain cayenne pepper to achieve the same effect.

The earwigs will be deterred by the spicy scent of the cayenne pepper, and they will eventually find another home.

A mixture of garlic, cayenne pepper, dish soap, and water is another effective solution. After combining these ingredients and allowing the solution to sit for about 24 hours, spray it liberally throughout your garden, preferably in the morning.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae. It's safe for humans and animals, but earwigs find it deadly. When they crawl over it, the powder absorbs the waxy coating on their bodies, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic and safe to use around plants too, so sprinkling it around your garden can help you effectively get rid of earwigs without fear of harming your plants.

Neem Oil

This natural oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree, and it is highly effective at killing earwigs.

Simply mix a few drops of neem oil with water in a spray bottle, and apply it to the affected area.

Neem oil works by suffocating them. Earwigs breathe through holes in their bodies, and when they come into contact with neem oil, those holes become blocked. As a result, the earwigs suffocate and die.

In addition, besides it repels earwigs, it also repels other insects, making them less likely to invade your garden in the first place.

Azera

Azera is an effective earwig control measure. It helps to get rid of earwigs in the garden by repelling them with a strong smell. The pungent smell of this plant deters earwigs from entering the garden and laying their eggs.

Azera also contains nepetalactone, which is a natural insecticide. This substance kills earwigs and their larvae on contact. In addition, Azera emits a gas that is toxic to earwigs and other insects. This gas works to suffocate earwigs and other insects that enter the garden.

As a result, Azera is an effective measure for getting rid of earwigs in the garden.

Baking Soda

Sprinkling baking soda around the affected plants will create a barrier that earwigs cannot cross. In addition, the alkaline nature of baking soda will kill any earwigs that come into contact with it. Best of all, this natural remedy is safe for both plants and animals.

Or, you can use the trick of mixing equal parts of soda and sugar and scatter this mixture around your garden. The earwigs will be drawn to the sweet taste of the sugar and will soon find themselves trapped in the baking soda. This simple trick is a safe and effective way to keep your garden free of earwigs.

Vinegar

Vinegar is an effective way to control earwigs, as the acetic acid in the vinegar will kill them on contact. The acetic acid in vinegar is deadly to earwigs, but it is safe for plants and humans.

To use vinegar as an earwig repellent, simply mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and spritz it around your garden. Earwigs will stay away from the area, and your plants will stay safe from their damaging effects.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a more permanent solution to your earwig problem, there are ways to get rid of them naturally. Check out some of these methods and see which one will work best for you and your home.

Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know in the comments!