How to Eliminate Earwigs Quickly with Just One Simple Ingredient
Despite their relative lack of danger, earwigs are not welcome visitors and should not be let into or near our homes.
When earwigs decide to invade our yards, gardens, or—worse yet—our homes, their long, pinched bodies can be downright unsettling. It’s especially unnerving when children are involved and you find these creepy crawlers lurking indoors.
Lately, many people—including myself—have noticed a significant uptick in earwig sightings. It certainly feels like these pests are multiplying more than ever this year.
While earwigs don’t pose any real danger, their mere presence can be a major nuisance—especially when they sneak into the very spaces we go to relax and unwind.
Fortunately, there’s a simple, natural trick that can help reclaim your outdoor spaces. Facebook user Alicia Alexander recently shared a smart and effective DIY method she used to banish earwigs from her lawn. Her clever hack is gaining traction as a go-to solution for anyone dealing with a similar invasion.
Chances are, you already have the secret weapon sitting in your kitchen: olive oil. That’s what makes this earwig-eliminating hack not only effective, but also brilliantly simple.
Alicia Alexander’s method is smart, affordable, and easy enough for anyone to try. Here’s exactly what she did to reclaim her backyard from those unwelcome creepy crawlers:
Step 1: Grab a shallow dish or container—nothing fancy, just something that can hold about half a cup of liquid. It doesn’t need to be deep or wide, just functional.
Step 2: Pour in roughly half a cup of plain olive oil. No need for anything gourmet—basic kitchen olive oil will do the trick.
Step 3: Place the bowl outside, ideally in your garden, on your deck, or anywhere you’ve seen earwigs lurking. The key is location—choose spots near plants, damp soil, decaying leaves, or shaded corners where earwigs like to hang out.
And that’s it. Now, let nature do its thing.
Earwigs are irresistibly drawn to the scent and texture of the oil. It’s believed they’re either lured by the aroma or the ease of slipping into the bowl—either way, they don’t come back out.
Within just 24 hours, Alicia was shocked by the results. The bowl was full of earwigs—proof that her backyard had been more infested than she’d realized.
Even more astonishing? By the 36-hour mark, the bowl had trapped even more, showing that this ridiculously easy hack wasn’t just a fluke—it was a game-changer.
There’s a reason the olive oil method has become such a go-to fix for earwigs—it just works. And it works well for several smart reasons.
First off, olive oil naturally attracts earwigs. These little critters are curious by nature, constantly searching for moist, dark spots to hide or scavenge for food. The oil in the dish acts like a beacon, luring them in with its scent and appearance.
But here’s the clever part: once an earwig climbs into the bowl, the slick, sticky surface traps them, making it nearly impossible for them to escape. It’s simple biology meets backyard science.
What makes this method stand out even more is its natural, non-toxic appeal. Unlike harsh chemical sprays, olive oil is safe to use around pets, kids, plants, and pollinators. You can place the bowl anywhere—in your garden beds, near patios, even close to your front door—without worrying about harming the environment.
And let’s not forget—it’s incredibly affordable. Most of us already have olive oil at home, so there’s no need to spend a dime on fancy repellents or toxic treatments. It’s one of those rare solutions that’s both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
If you’re tired of earwigs creeping around your space, this method offers an effortless fix. Just pour, place, and let it work its magic. No complex steps. No expensive products. Just a bowl, a bit of oil, and peace of mind.
While the olive oil method is a powerful way to eliminate earwigs already living in your garden, there are a few additional steps you can take to prevent future infestations and keep these pests from coming back.
1. Keep Your Garden Clean:
Earwigs love hiding in damp, dark places, so regular garden maintenance is key. By clearing away fallen leaves, trimming overgrown plants, and removing any debris or trash, you can eliminate the hiding spots that attract earwigs in the first place.
2. Seal Entry Points:
If you’ve spotted earwigs inside your home, it’s time to do a thorough inspection of your windows, doors, and foundation. Look for any cracks or gaps where these pests could be sneaking in. Sealing these gaps with caulk will help prevent earwigs from finding their way inside.
3. Try Diatomaceous Earth:
For an added layer of defense, consider using diatomaceous earth, a natural, non-toxic powder that works wonders against earwigs. When sprinkled around your garden, it can dehydrate and kill earwigs without the use of harmful chemicals. It’s a safe and eco-friendly way to protect your space.
By combining these simple steps with the olive oil hack, you’ll have a multi-layered strategy that helps keep your garden—and your home—earwig-free.
Since earwigs thrive in damp, moist conditions, ensuring your yard or garden has proper drainage can go a long way in discouraging them from settling in. Avoid overwatering your plants, as excess moisture provides the perfect environment for earwigs to flourish.
While earwigs are mostly harmless, their presence in your home can still be unsettling. Fortunately, the simple technique shared by Alicia Alexander provides an effective, natural, and chemical-free solution.
All you need is a shallow dish and a little olive oil. This easy method will help eliminate earwigs from your yard, deck, or garden within just a few hours.
Not only is it inexpensive and efficient, but it’s also environmentally friendly, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a safe and effective way to deal with these pests.
If earwigs are causing trouble in your yard this season, give this method a try—you might be surprised at just how quickly it works!
