Keep the exterior tidy to eliminate hiding spots
Outside the house, earwigs find refuge in leaf piles, wood stacks, mulch, and dense vegetation that stays damp. By clearing these potential hideouts, you reduce the overall population that could wander indoors.
Start by raking away leaves and grass clippings away from the foundation. If you keep firewood, store it at least two feet off the ground on a rack and keep it at least a foot away from the house. Mulch should be no deeper than two inches near exterior walls; deeper mulch retains moisture and provides a perfect earwig nursery.
Trim back shrubs, vines, and other plants that touch the siding. When vegetation is in direct contact with the house, it creates a bridge for insects to travel from the soil to your doors and windows. Maintaining a clear, dry perimeter not only deters earwigs but also makes it easier to spot any that do manage to get in.
Safely remove earwigs without handling them directly
Encountering an earwig can be unsettling, but you don’t need to wrestle with its pincers. The safest method is to use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle. Turn the vacuum on low to avoid crushing the insect, which can create a mess, and gently guide it toward the nozzle. Once captured, empty the vacuum bag or canister outdoors away from your home.
If you prefer a manual approach, use a piece of stiff paper or a small container. Slide the paper under the earwig and carefully lift it, then tip the container outside. Wearing disposable gloves can protect your hands from accidental pinches, and a pair of tweezers can help if the insect is in a hard‑to‑reach spot.
Avoid killing earwigs inside the house; dead insects can attract other pests and create unpleasant odors. Instead, release them outdoors near a garden or a shaded area where they can find natural shelter. This humane approach also prevents you from accidentally contaminating food surfaces with insect fluids.