Why Earwigs Are Invading Your Home (And What to Do About It)
If you’ve spotted one earwig inside your home, chances are it’s not alone. While earwigs don’t cause structural damage like termites or chew wiring like rodents, they’re still an unwelcome guest—especially when you find them crawling across countertops, hiding in bathrooms, or scurrying along the floor at night.
At Sasquatch Pest Control, we get a lot of calls every summer asking, “Why do I suddenly have earwigs in my house?” Let’s break it down—and more importantly—talk about how to stop the invasion.
Why Earwigs Come Indoors
Earwigs are mostly outdoor insects, but your home can accidentally become the perfect hideout. Here’s what attracts them:
1. They’re Looking for Food
Earwigs aren’t picky eaters. Outside, they feed on decaying leaves, moist vegetation, garden plants, and fallen fruit. Inside your home, crumbs, spilled food, garbage residue, and even pet food can keep them well-fed.
Even tiny food sources—like what’s under your stove or tucked behind cabinets—are enough to sustain them.
2. They’re Seeking Shelter
Earwigs are nocturnal and hide during the day. When outdoor conditions become uncomfortable—whether it’s extreme heat, cold snaps, or dry weather—they look for safer ground. Unfortunately, that can mean your home.
They commonly gather near:
- Doors and windows
- Bathrooms and kitchens
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Storage areas with clutter
Because earwigs can squeeze through extremely small gaps, even minor cracks around doors, siding, or foundations can give them easy access.
3. They Need Moisture
Moisture is one of the biggest reasons earwigs move inside. In nature, they thrive in damp soil and rotting leaves. Inside, they’re drawn to:
- Leaky plumbing
- Damp basements
- Crawl spaces
- Areas under sinks
- Wet cardboard or stored boxes
If your home offers moisture and cover, earwigs can settle in quickly.
How Earwigs Get Inside in the First Place
Earwigs don’t just “appear”—they find their way in through:
- Poorly sealed doors and windows
- Gaps where siding meets the foundation
- Unscreened attic or foundation vents
- Crawl space access doors
They’re also commonly brought inside by accident. Earwigs can hitch a ride in:
- Cardboard boxes stored in damp garages
- Firewood or lumber
- Potted plants (especially between the pot and saucer)
- Stored newspapers or clutter
Outdoor lighting can also attract them closer to your home, increasing the chances they find an entry point.
What You Can Do to Reduce Earwigs
For light activity, homeowners can take a few steps to make their home less inviting:
✔ Vacuum Frequently
Vacuuming removes both earwigs and their food sources. Pay close attention to baseboards, corners, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
✔ Reduce Moisture
Use dehumidifiers or fans in damp areas. Fix leaks promptly and avoid storing wet or damp items indoors.
✔ Seal Entry Points
Caulk cracks around windows and doors, repair damaged weather stripping, and ensure vents are properly screened.
These steps help—but they often don’t eliminate the problem entirely.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
If earwigs keep coming back or you’re seeing them in multiple areas of your home, it’s time to bring in the pros. A professional pest control treatment targets:
- The source of the infestation
- Outdoor harborage areas
- Entry points around your home
- The existing population—fast
At Sasquatch Pest Control, we don’t just treat the insects you see—we go after the ones you don’t. Our targeted treatments reduce earwig populations at the source and help keep them from returning.
No matter your pest problems, we Squatch your back.
Need Help With Earwigs?
If earwigs are invading your home in Bellingham or anywhere in Whatcom County, give us a call. We’ll assess the situation, treat your property, and help you take back your space—safely and effectively.
Sasquatch Pest Control
5051 Guide Meridian
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 410-2199
Learn more at https://sasquatchpestcontrol.com/
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