How to Get Rid of Earwigs Naturally — A Simple Trick That Really Works

Most homes occasionally host unwanted guests in the form of insects. While a few bugs are harmless or even beneficial, others — like earwigs — tend to make homeowners uneasy. In rural and suburban areas especially, pests such as flies, ants, and spiders are common during the warmer months. Yet, when it comes to earwigs, many people feel a stronger sense of discomfort.

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What Are Earwigs?

You’ve probably seen an earwig before without realizing what it was. These small, dark brown insects are easy to identify thanks to the pair of pincer-like appendages (called cerci) extending from the tips of their abdomens. Despite their intimidating look — and the old myth that they crawl into human ears (which is completely false) — earwigs are harmless to humans.

They don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, discovering a large number of them in your home or garden can still be quite unsettling. Earwigs typically live outdoors, hiding under mulch, leaves, or damp wood. But when the weather turns dry or cold, they often seek shelter indoors, especially in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens where moisture is present.

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A Simple Homemade Trap That Works

One Facebook user, Alicia Alexander, recently shared a simple yet highly effective method to get rid of earwigs — and her post quickly gained attention from others dealing with the same problem.

Her trick?
👉 Place a shallow bowl filled halfway with olive oil in your garden, yard, or on your deck.

Earwigs are naturally drawn to the scent of oil. Once they crawl in, the slippery surface prevents them from escaping, effectively trapping them overnight.

After setting the trap, Alicia checked her bowl after 24 and 36 hours and was amazed at the results — dozens of earwigs had been caught. The method is not only chemical-free and inexpensive, but it’s also safe for households with children or pets.

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Why This Works

Olive oil mimics the damp, dark conditions earwigs are attracted to. Its dense texture acts like a natural adhesive, trapping the insects once they enter. For even better results, you can:

• Mix a few drops of soy sauce with the oil to enhance the scent.

• Place several bowls around your yard, near flower beds, decks, or walls.

• Empty and refresh the traps every two days.

This natural method helps control earwig populations without relying on harsh pesticides or toxic sprays.

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When to Worry About Earwigs Indoors

While seeing a few earwigs in your home is normal, a large infestation could point to an underlying issue. Earwigs are attracted to rotting or damp wood, so their presence might indicate wood decay or excess moisture in walls, baseboards, or window frames.

If you notice many of them indoors, it’s a good idea to:

• Inspect for water leaks or rot around sinks, pipes, or wooden beams.

• Reduce humidity using a dehumidifier in basements and bathrooms.

• Seal cracks and small entry points around doors and windows.

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Final Thoughts

Although earwigs look alarming, they pose no real danger to humans or pets. In fact, they even feed on smaller pests like aphids, helping maintain balance in your garden ecosystem.

Still, when they start invading your home, a simple bowl of olive oil can offer a safe, quick, and eco-friendly solution. Just a few days of this natural trap can drastically reduce their numbers — and your peace of mind will quickly return.

So, before you reach for chemical sprays, try this gentle remedy. Sometimes, the simplest tricks really are the most effective!