The most important part of controlling earwigs is eliminating their hiding places. If the earwig harborages are not addressed, insecticide application will probably not control earwigs very well. There are a variety of things that can be done. 

Landscaping 

• Clean Up – Move landscape timbers, logs, decorative stones, and firewood piles away from the foundation. 
• Eliminate Moist Soil – Create a zone next to the foundation that is free of mulch, dead leaves, and other organic material. The “dry zone” should be 6” to 12” wide so that earwigs will avoid it. 
• Trim Overhanging Branches – Trim trees and shrubs that cause damp, shady areas near the house. 

Around the Home 

• Proper Drainage is Key – Examine gutters and downspouts to make sure they drain away from the foundation. Set irrigation systems so that they water in the morning and allow the landscape to dry during the day. 

• Switch Up Exterior Lighting – Adjust outdoor lights to shine from the yard onto the house – insects will be attracted away from the house. If moving outside light fixtures is not practical, consider changing light bulbs to yellow bulbs since white lights are more attractive to insects. 
• Secure Possible Entry Points – Repair screens on crawl space vents and make sure the vents are not blocked. 
• Dry Out Moisture-Prone Areas – A dehumidifier might help in a damp basement. 

Earwigs can infest many different areas in a home. Because of that, it may be necessary to use several insecticide products to control them effectively. Our pest control professionals will have the products and equipment to control earwigs effectively.