How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Yuba City

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Why earwig problems happen (and why they keep happening)

Warning! This blog contains content that may be graphic to those with a disdain for Bugs!

If you’re looking up how to get rid of earwigs, the best place to start is outside—not inside. Earwigs are night-active, moisture-loving insects that hide in cool, damp shelter during the day (mulch, leaf litter, boards, ground cover). When exterior conditions are ideal—or when there’s too much moisture close to the foundation—earwigs can wander indoors through small gaps.

This guide lays out a practical, IPM-style plan for earwig control: reduce moisture, remove harborage, block entry points, then use traps and targeted treatments only where needed.

Step 1: Fix moisture first (your fastest win)

Earwigs thrive in damp zones. Reducing moisture around the structure often cuts activity quickly.

Do this first:

Repair leaky hose bibs, irrigation overspray, and dripping outdoor spigots.
Adjust sprinklers so water doesn’t hit the foundation.
Improve drainage where water pools near walkways or slab edges.
Clean and repair gutters/downspouts to keep runoff moving away from the home.
Indoors, address bathroom and laundry humidity (fans, ventilation, dehumidifier if needed).

UC IPM emphasizes earwigs seek cool, moist hiding places; moisture reduction is a core prevention step.

Step 2: Remove earwig hiding spots around the foundation

If earwigs have great shelter right next to your home, they’ll keep returning.

Habitat cleanup checklist (exterior):

Pull back mulch so it’s not piled against the foundation; avoid overly thick mulch beds.
Remove leaf litter, weeds, dense ground cover, and plant debris near the structure.
Move or elevate items that create damp shade: boards, stacked pots, landscaping fabric scraps, boxes, stored materials.
Trim vegetation so it doesn’t touch siding and traps moisture.

UC IPM specifically recommends removing debris and dense undergrowth that harbors earwigs.

Step 3: Seal entry points (keep them from wandering inside)

Earwigs don’t “infest” homes the same way some pests do—they usually enter through gaps and then hide in cool, damp indoor areas.

Exclusion steps for earwig control:

Install/replace door sweeps and weather-stripping (especially garage and exterior doors).
Seal cracks at baseboards, thresholds, and utility penetrations (pipes/cables).
Repair torn screens and ensure vents are screened properly.

This reduces indoor sightings and prevents repeated migrations from outdoor harborage.

Step 4: Use trapping to reduce numbers (simple, effective, measurable)

Trapping is a practical way to reduce earwig numbers while confirming where activity is highest.

UC IPM suggests several easy trap types, including rolled newspaper/bamboo/hose “harborage traps” placed near plants at dusk and shaken out into soapy water in the morning.

Trap options:

Rolled newspaper trap: Place near garden beds/foundation before dark; dispose or empty in the morning.
Oil pit trap: A low-sided can with vegetable oil plus an attractant (UC IPM notes bacon grease or fish oil); place near activity zones.
Sticky traps: Useful indoors (garage, laundry room, bathroom) to monitor and reduce stragglers.

Tip: Place traps along walls and near damp hiding zones—earwigs travel tight to surfaces at night.

Step 5: Targeted treatments (only after the basics are handled)

If moisture and habitat cleanup are done and you still have heavy activity, targeted treatment can help—but it works best when paired with the steps above.
Best practices:
Focus on crack-and-crevice areas and exterior entry zones (not broad, indiscriminate spraying).
Avoid “foggers” for earwigs; they don’t reliably reach the sheltered places earwigs hide.
Always follow label directions exactly and keep products away from children and pets.
IPM guidance from EPA supports using the least-hazard approach first and combining methods rather than relying on routine pesticide use.

Indoor earwigs: what to do when they’re already in the house

If you’re finding earwigs in tubs, sinks, or along baseboards:

Vacuum or remove them (quick, non-chemical reduction).
Place sticky traps in bathrooms/laundry rooms.
Run fans or a dehumidifier if the area stays damp.
Seal gaps around plumbing under sinks and at wall penetrations.

Earwigs prefer cool, moist shelter and are most active at night—so indoor moisture control and sealing go a long way.

When to call Cal King Pest Control

DIY steps can handle light, seasonal activity. Professional help makes sense when:

Earwigs are showing up daily indoors, across multiple rooms.
Exterior cleanup and moisture reduction haven’t changed activity after 1–2 weeks.
You have persistent moisture issues (drainage problems, recurring leaks, heavy irrigated landscaping).
You need a thorough plan for a business, multi-unit property, or recurring seasonal surges.

Cal King Pest Control is family-owned, licensed and bonded, with 35+ years of experience, serving Yuba City and surrounding areas. Call (530) 673-6322 or request a free estimate online.

Quick checklist: How to get rid of earwigs

Reduce moisture near the foundation (irrigation, gutters, drainage).
Remove harborage: leaf litter, debris, dense ground cover, stacked items.
Seal gaps: door sweeps, weather-stripping, cracks, utility penetrations.
Trap nightly using newspaper/hose traps or oil traps; monitor progress.
Use targeted treatments only if needed; follow IPM principles.

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Want to know more about what Earwigs are? “Earwigs in Yuba City Homes: What They Are, and What They Eat“