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How To Get Rid of Earwigs with One Simple Ingredient
Earwigs—those creepy-crawly little insects with pincers on their tails—might look intimidating, but they’re mostly harmless. Still, no one wants them scurrying around the house or garden. If you’ve been noticing more earwigs than usual in your home or backyard, don’t worry. You don’t need expensive sprays or harsh chemicals to get rid of them. In fact, you can eliminate these pests using one simple, natural ingredient that’s probably already in your kitchen: olive oil.
Yes, that’s right—olive oil can help you tackle an earwig problem quickly, safely, and effectively.
🪳 Why Are Earwigs a Problem?
While earwigs don’t spread disease or bite, they can still be a nuisance:
- They hide in damp, dark places (like under flowerpots, mulch, and sink cabinets).
- They feed on plants, fruits, and even small insects.
- They occasionally make their way into homes in search of moisture or food.
🧴 The Secret Weapon: Olive Oil Trap
The olive oil trap is a simple, chemical-free method that attracts and traps earwigs overnight.
✅ What You’ll Need:
- Olive oil (you can also use vegetable oil if needed)
- A small bowl or shallow container (like a tuna can or jar lid)
- Optional: Soy sauce (adds extra appeal to the trap)
🛠️ How to Make the Trap:
- Fill the container with about 1/4 inch of olive oil.
- For a stronger lure, add a few drops of soy sauce and mix it gently.
- Place the trap near areas where you’ve seen earwigs—under sinks, behind toilets, around baseboards, or outside in the garden near mulch or flower beds.
- Leave it overnight. Earwigs are nocturnal and will be drawn to the scent. Once they fall into the oil, they won’t be able to escape.
- Check the trap in the morning, discard the contents, and refill as needed.
🌿 Why It Works
- The scent of oil (especially when mixed with soy sauce) attracts earwigs looking for food.
- The oil traps and suffocates them upon contact, maki
