Learn How to Prevent and Get Rid of Earwigs in Calgary
What Are Earwigs?
Despite their creepy appearance, earwigs are not harmful to humans. In fact, they can be beneficial by feeding on decaying matter and garden pests like aphids, insect larvae, and slug eggs. Adult earwigs are about 1.5–2 cm long with shiny, reddish-brown bodies and distinctive pincers (forceps) on their abdomen. Males have curved pincers, while females have smaller, straight ones. Earwigs use these for defense and mating.
Should You Be Concerned About Earwigs?
While earwigs help control other pests, they can also damage your garden by feeding on tender leaves, flowers, and vegetables. They prefer dark, damp areas such as under rocks, mulch, or garden furniture. When the weather warms up in June or July, earwigs may crawl into homes seeking shelter and moisture — often hiding in laundry rooms, bathrooms, or basements.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs
1. Physical Control
The best time to control earwigs is early spring when they are still young.
Remove moisture: Fix leaky taps, downspouts, and ensure water drains away from your home’s foundation.
Reduce hiding spots: Clear away mulch, leaves, wood piles, and other debris near the house.
Cultivate soil: Turning the soil exposes eggs and nymphs to dry conditions that kill them.
Trim vegetation: Keep plants and shrubs trimmed back to create a clean, dry perimeter.
Inspect produce: Check cut flowers and vegetables before bringing them indoors to remove any earwigs hiding inside.
2. Trapping Earwigs Naturally
Take advantage of their love for dark, moist hiding places by setting traps:
Roll up corrugated cardboard and secure it with rubber bands; place it upright in the garden.
Place flower pots filled with damp newspaper or straw upside-down on the ground.
Lay bamboo tubes or garden hose pieces as hiding traps.
Oil traps: Fill shallow containers (like sardine cans) with fish or vegetable oil and bury them to the rim — earwigs will crawl in and drown.
Check traps daily and dispose of captured earwigs in soapy water.
3. Pesticide and Natural Treatments
If earwig infestations persist, consider approved pest control products:
Diatomaceous Earth (DE): A natural, non-toxic powder that dehydrates earwigs upon contact. Safe for pets and humans.
Insecticidal soaps: Effective for direct contact on infested plants.
Residual sprays: Apply around windows, doors, and foundations to keep earwigs from entering your home.
Baits: Set bait stations safely outdoors, covered to protect pets and children.
Always choose products with a Pest Control Product (PCP) number approved by Health Canada and follow label directions carefully.
Professional Earwig Control in Calgary
If earwigs keep coming back despite your efforts, it’s time to call a professional pest control company in Calgary. At Pest Pro Exterminator, we specialize in earwig removal, prevention, and long-term pest management solutions. Our experts identify breeding sites, apply safe and effective treatments, and ensure your home or garden stays pest-free.
✅ Serving Calgary and surrounding areas
✅ Eco-friendly and family-safe treatments
✅ Guaranteed results
Stop earwigs before they invade your home!
📞 Contact Pest Pro Exterminator Calgary today for expert earwig control and prevention services.