Warning: If You Find This Insect in Your Home, Don’t Panic — But Don’t Ignore What It May Be Telling…

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Look for the Real Attraction

Instead of immediately reaching for pesticide, investigate the environment.

Check beneath sinks for slow leaks.

Look around toilets and plumbing.

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Inspect damp basements and crawl spaces.

Make sure gutters and downspouts aren’t leaving water against the foundation.

Look for condensation around pipes or windows.

Check whether mulch, wet leaves, firewood or dense vegetation is piled directly against the exterior walls.

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The objective isn’t merely to kill the insects you can see.

It’s to make your home less attractive to the next ones.

They May Simply Be Coming in From Outside

Earwigs naturally live outdoors.

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During certain weather conditions, they may accidentally enter buildings through small openings.

Gaps around doors are common entry points.

So are damaged screens, cracks around windows, utility penetrations and openings around the foundation.

Weather-stripping doors and sealing appropriate gaps can reduce the number getting inside.

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Moving damp organic debris away from the foundation may help as well.

What About Your Garden?

This is where earwigs become surprisingly complicated.

Gardeners sometimes dislike them because earwigs can feed on tender plant material, flowers, seedlings and certain fruits.

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But they’re not exclusively plant eaters.

They can also consume decaying organic matter and other small organisms, including some garden pests.

So spotting one earwig outdoors doesn’t mean you need to launch a full-scale extermination campaign.

The situation matters.

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Visible plant damage combined with large numbers is different from finding a few earwigs underneath a flowerpot.

How to Deal With Earwigs Indoors

For an occasional insect, physical removal or vacuuming is usually enough.

If they keep appearing, focus on moisture and entry points.

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Reduce unnecessary dampness.

Repair leaks.

Improve ventilation where appropriate.

Seal cracks and gaps.

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Remove piles of wet leaves and other shelter near the building.

Avoid leaving firewood pressed directly against exterior walls.

If you’re experiencing persistent large numbers despite correcting these conditions, a qualified pest-management professional can inspect the property and determine where they’re entering or hiding.