How to eliminate earwigs in the house?
How to eliminate earwigs in the house?
Eliminating earwigs requires both environmental management and chemical control. Spraying alone without improving conditions will lead to recurring problems.
Step 1: Remove hiding places
Earwigs indoors indicate there are damp corners or crevices providing shelter. Clean the following areas first:
- Do not leave damp cloths or mops piled on the floor in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Remove cardboard boxes and old newspapers from balconies and storage rooms.
- Empty standing water in pot trays.
- Clear clutter from under beds and behind cabinets.
Step 2: Chemical spraying
Spray dinotefuran-containing household insecticide in areas where earwigs frequently appear:
- Damp wall corners.
- Baseboard crevices.
- Bottom of door frames.
- Bathroom tile gaps.
- Under kitchen sinks.
- Balcony and door thresholds.
After spraying, the dried insecticide forms an invisible film. Earwigs that crawl over it at night die within hours. Residual effect lasts 2-4 weeks; 1-2 treatments usually bring numbers under control.
Step 3: Seal entry points
Check door and window gaps, air conditioner pipe openings, and around drainpipes. Seal with caulk to prevent earwigs from crawling in from outside.
Step 4: Reduce humidity
Earwigs prefer damp environments; keeping indoors dry is key:
- Run exhaust fans after using bathrooms and kitchens.
- Open windows after mopping to allow floors to dry quickly.
- Use a dehumidifier in basements or particularly damp rooms.