How To Get Rid Of Earwigs Or "Pincher Bugs"

Earwigs? Ew! Don’t worry—these menacing-looking insects don’t have a thing for ears (or wigs). However, they will target your garden plants. Also known as pincher bugs, earwigs can infiltrate both homes and gardens. This guide will help you identify them, recognize damage, control infestations, and prevent them from coming back.

While their pincers look intimidating, earwigs are generally considered nuisance pests rather than serious threats. While their pincers look intimidating, earwigs are generally considered nuisance pests rather than serious threats. As Iowa State University Extension explains, “They may forage among organic debris and mulch, but they’re generally considered minor pests of vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals.”

Here, we’ll show you how to get rid of earwigs and—just as importantly—how to prevent them, all while maintaining your garden’s natural balance.

Tips for Keeping Earwigs Out of Your Home and Garden

Keeping earwigs away starts with making your environment less inviting. Here’s how:

• Remove hiding spots: Clear mulch, fallen leaves, and debris where earwigs can hide.
• Create dry zones: Move mulch and plant material at least a few inches from your house foundation.
• Check items before bringing them inside: Laundry, houseplants, lawn furniture, and firewood can carry earwigs indoors.
• Encourage natural predators: Birds, toads, and some beneficial insects will eat earwigs.

By taking these steps, you’ll reduce the chances of a surprise infestation in your garden or home.

Do Earwigs Pinch?

The pincers at the end of an earwig’s abdomen look rather formidable. They are capable of pinching (and sometimes biting) humans, but the pinch is not particularly powerful. Earwigs usually use their pincers to ward off enemies like toads and birds, or—in some species—to catch prey.

The pincers, called “cerci,” are also important for romance. Attached at the insect’s abdomen, they are indicators of gender, like tusks on an elephant. A male earwig’s pincers are long and curved, while a female’s are shorter and straighter.