Earwigs may look creepy with their long pincers, but they’re not dangerous to humans. However, they can cause damage to young plants, flowers, and vegetables — especially soft fruits like strawberries or seedlings. If you’re tired of seeing these bugs crawling around your plants, don’t worry! This guide will show you simple and effective ways to get rid of earwigs in your garden.
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs are small, brownish-black insects with pincers at the back of their bodies. They are mostly active at night, and during the day they hide in dark, moist places like under leaves, pots, or mulch.
What they damage:
- Flower petals
- Seedlings
- Soft fruits and vegetables
- Leaves with small holes or jagged edges
See also:How to Keep Animals Out of the Garden?
Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Earwigs Naturally
01. Clean Up Your Garden
Earwigs love moist, dark hiding places. Removing these areas will make your garden less welcoming.
Do this:
- Remove piles of leaves, plant debris, and weeds.
- Don’t overwater your plants — keep the soil slightly dry.
- Trim dense ground covers where earwigs may hide.
Tip: Water in the morning instead of evening, so the soil dries out by night.
See also: How to Keep Deer Out of the Garden?
02. Set Up Traps at Night
Because earwigs are nocturnal, nighttime is the best time to catch them.
Oil & Soy Sauce Trap
- Take a small can (like a tuna can).
- Fill it halfway with vegetable oil and add a few drops of soy sauce.
- Bury it so the rim is level with the soil.
- Leave it overnight — earwigs will crawl in and drown.
Why it works: They’re attracted to the smell and can’t escape the oil.
See also: How to Make a Flower Garden? Step-by-Step for Beginners
Rolled Newspaper Trap
- Take a sheet of newspaper, roll it up, and wet it slightly.
- Leave it near your plants overnight.
- In the morning, unroll it and shake out the earwigs into a bucket of soapy water.
Cheap and eco-friendly!
03. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, powdery substance made from crushed fossils. It cuts through insect bodies and dries them out — but it’s safe for people and pets.
How to use:
- Sprinkle DE around the base of your plants.
- Reapply after watering or rain.
Found at most garden stores!
See also: Best Minecraft Garden Ideas
04. Attract Natural Predators
Encourage animals that eat earwigs to visit your garden.
Good predators:
- Birds
- Frogs
- Lizards
- Ground beetles
How to attract them:
- Add a bird feeder or bird bath.
- Create small shelters (like a rock pile or mini pond).
- Avoid using chemical pesticides that scare them away.
05. Use Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that works well against soft-bodied insects like earwigs.
How to use:
- Mix neem oil with water according to the label.
- Spray on plant leaves in the evening.
- Repeat every few days until the earwigs are gone.
Safe for veggies and flowers!
Summary
Earwigs are night-active pests that hide in moist, dark places and damage plants. You can get rid of them using natural, safe methods:
Quick Tips:
- Clean your garden – Remove leaf piles, weeds, and avoid overwatering.
- Set traps at night – Use oil & soy sauce traps or rolled wet newspapers.
- Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – It kills earwigs without harming pets or plants.
- Attract natural predators – Birds, frogs, and lizards help control earwig populations.
- Spray Neem Oil – A safe, organic insect spray for plants.
Avoid harsh chemicals and overwatering to prevent earwig infestations.
FAQs about Get a Mole in Grow a Garden
Are earwigs harmful to humans?
No, they look scary but don’t bite or harm people.
Why are earwigs in my garden?
They’re attracted to moist soil, mulch, and plant debris.
What do earwigs eat?
They feed on seedlings, leaves, flowers, and soft fruits.
Do oil traps really work?
Yes, oil and soy sauce traps lure and drown earwigs overnight.
Is Diatomaceous Earth safe?
Yes, it’s safe for people, pets, and plants—only harmful to insects.
