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The best way to get rid of earwigs and keep them away for good is through a mix of professional treatment and prevention. Controlling moisture, sealing entry points, and reducing outdoor hiding spots helps limit their presence, while expert pest control ensures lasting results inside and outside the home.
Globally, more than 2,000 species exist according to EBSCO, but only a handful are known to invade homes in Washington state. These nocturnal insects prefer damp, dark areas and are often found around gardens, plants, and sometimes indoors.
For anyone concerned about how to get rid of earwigs, quick action reduces the risk of an infestation taking hold. At Eastside Exterminators, we provide trusted earwig control in Seattle and nearby communities, using safe, effective methods that protect both homes and gardens.
This blog will cover how to identify earwigs, why professional treatment offers the best results, and the long-term steps that help keep them away for good.
What Are Earwigs and Why Are They a Problem?
Earwigs are small, slender insects with pincers at the end of their abdomen. They are mostly nocturnal and prefer dark, damp environments such as gardens, mulch, leaf litter, and occasionally basements or crawl spaces.
While earwigs do not pose a direct health threat to humans, their presence can be alarming, especially when they enter homes in large numbers.
These insects feed on plants, flowers, and occasionally stored produce, causing visible damage in gardens and yards. Indoors, they are mostly a nuisance, wandering into bathrooms, basements, or kitchens in search of moisture. Because earwigs reproduce quickly and can hide in cracks, crevices, and damp areas, infestations can grow rapidly if left unchecked.
Professional guidance is often the most effective way to control them, with a focus on preventing earwigs indoors through moisture management, sealing entry points, and proper yard maintenance. This ensures lasting protection against reinfestation.
How Do You Know If You Have Earwigs?
Spotting an earwig infestation early can make a big difference in protecting your home and garden. One of the most common signs is damage to plants, leaves, and flowers.
You may notice irregular holes, chewed edges, or wilted areas in your garden beds. Indoors, earwigs are often found in damp, dark areas such as:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Bathrooms
- Near leaky pipes
Another clue is seeing the insects themselves, especially at night when they are most active. They are small, brown or black, and have distinctive pincers on their abdomen. You might also find them hiding under mulch, rocks, or debris around your home’s foundation.
If you notice these signs, it is a clear indication that professional help may be needed. Eastside Exterminators can inspect your property, identify hiding spots, and develop a targeted plan to eliminate earwigs and prevent them from returning.
Why Professional Earwig Treatment Works Best
While simple cleanup and DIY methods can reduce earwig numbers, professional treatment is the most effective way to eliminate them completely.
At Eastside Exterminators, our trained technicians conduct thorough inspections of your home and yard to identify where earwigs are hiding and breeding. This allows us to target both adults and nymphs with precision.
Our treatments use safe, eco-friendly products that protect your family and pets while effectively eliminating pests. We also address underlying conditions that attract earwigs, such as:
- Excess moisture
- Mulch buildup
- Cracks around foundations
Professional treatment ensures that all stages of the earwig life cycle are controlled, reducing the risk of reinfestation.
The value of using experienced exterminators is long-term protection. Instead of temporary relief, our approach focuses on lasting results, giving you peace of mind that your home and garden are safe from these persistent pests.
(European Earwig, image from hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu)
How to Prevent Earwigs from Coming Back
Earwigs are attracted to damp, sheltered areas, so homes and yards with excess moisture are more likely to experience repeated visits. Leaky pipes, poor drainage, and overwatered gardens can create ideal conditions for these pests.
Mulch, leaf litter, and other debris near the foundation often serve as daytime hiding spots. When vegetation touches the house or garden beds are overgrown, earwigs may find easier access indoors. Cracks or gaps in foundations, doors, and windows provide additional entry points, allowing them to move freely between outdoor and indoor areas.
Keeping firewood and stored items away from walls and off the ground also reduces potential hiding spots. Eastside Exterminators often incorporates these considerations into long-term treatment plans.
Combined with professional care, attention to moisture and habitat management helps minimize the chances of earwigs returning, supporting a safer and more comfortable home and garden environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Earwigs Harm People?
Earwigs do not bite or sting, and they are not considered dangerous to humans. Occasionally, their pincers may pinch if handled, but this is rare and generally harmless.
Are Earwigs Harmful to Plants?
Yes, earwigs feed on leaves, flowers, and other plant materials. While they often target weakened or damaged plants first, larger populations can cause noticeable garden damage.
Why Are Earwigs Found Indoors?
Earwigs are attracted to damp, dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and areas around leaky pipes. Seasonal changes, especially late summer and fall, can increase indoor sightings.
Will DIY Methods Work to Remove Earwigs?
DIY methods, such as traps and cleaning, can reduce numbers but usually do not provide long-term control. Earwigs can hide in cracks, crevices, and mulch where home treatments cannot reach.
Can Earwigs Return After Treatment?
Yes, reinfestation is possible if conditions remain favorable. Professional earwig control, like the services provided by Eastside Exterminators, helps address both current populations and the underlying factors that attract earwigs, providing long-lasting results.
Do Earwigs Spread Quickly?
Earwigs reproduce rapidly in favorable environments. Even a small population can grow if moisture, shelter, and food sources are available, highlighting the value of timely professional intervention.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs
Earwigs can become a persistent nuisance, but effective strategies make it possible to keep them away for good. Understanding how to get rid of earwigs is helpful, but professional support ensures long-lasting results.
At Eastside Exterminators, our team provides thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and guidance on habitat management to protect your home and garden. Combining expert care with preventative measures addresses both current infestations and conditions that attract earwigs.
For reliable home pest solutions and peace of mind, contacting Eastside Exterminators is the best step to safeguard your property and prevent future visits from these unwelcome pests.
(Featured Image from PestWorldForKids.org)
