Earwigs create many problems for many gardeners; the outdoor insects live in damp environments and feed on dead plant material. According to myth, earwigs are known to crawl inside ears and damage the human brain, but this is certainly not true. However, European earwigs have been known to invade homes following a wet spring. An earwig invasion does not pose any threat to humans, as the insects are not known to carry any diseases. Earwigs may gain access to homes through ground level doors and windows with cracks in them. However, these entries are fairly simple to control; home owners must simply seal all cracks in windows, screens and doors, and make sure that they are all properly fitted to their frames. Cracks in doors and windows can be fixed with weather stripping, caulk, or putty.

Generally, earwigs are only known for the small damage they cause to some flowers and vegetables. However, a large infestation can cause major problems for gardeners, and in these cases the earwigs must be eradicated. There are several natural ways to get rid of earwigs that infest gardens. Sodium lights are a great natural eradication method, although this pest control tactic is slightly unknown. The sodium light can be used as a deterrent, as the light-blue wave light pushes the earwigs away. Earwigs are not attracted to light blue lights, so they will move away from a home that uses these lights for outdoor lighting purposes.

Boric acid is one of the most commonly known natural insecticides, which can be used to help eradicate an earwig population. This natural insecticide is virtually harmless to humans and family pets. The acid is colorless, and may also be known as Orthoboric acid, Boracic acid, and Sassolite, which is its mineral form. Using the boric acid method of earwig eradication is most useful for home infestations, and can be applied during a normal dusting routine. Boric acid will only work in eliminating earwigs, if the insects are forced to travel through the powder, so it must be applied and the most common places of travel.

Earwigs find their homes in wet places, and can also be eradicated by keeping a clean, dry area around the foundation of the home and garden. It is best to clean and groom the areas surrounding the foundation of the home.

 Layering gravel and white stones around the home and around the garden may also be effective in keeping earwigs out. The stones will help with the drainage around the home, which will limit the attraction of earwigs. Although, it is not a common practice, large populations of earwigs may be eliminated using a vacuum. However, there must be a large earwig colony concentrated in one area, which can be eliminated by simply vacuuming them up. The vacuum should be ready before starting this process, or the insects will scatter once the vacuum is turned on. It is also important to empty the vacuum in a sealed container and dispose of the container immediately. White, egg-like objects in the area of an earwig colony should be vacuumed as well.

Earwig eradication can be done with simple household items, and there are several steps that can help any home owners get rid of the insects. The eradication process can be long, but it is simple, and there are several steps that must be taken, before an earwig population can be completely eliminated. First, it is important to eliminate hiding places, which will be under leaf debris, wood piles, upturned pots, and stepping stones. Next, bring birds into the garden by setting out bird feeders and baths; birds will eat and eventually eliminate large quantities of an earwig population. Traps can also be made that mimic the insect’s hiding places. For example, a rolled up newspaper can be secured with a rubber band and soaked in water, and placed where earwig damage has been found. The newspaper traps can be picked up and disposed of each morning, as earwigs will inhabit the sections deep inside the roll.

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