Top 10 Homemade Sprays for Earwigs: DIY Organic Treatment to Get Rid of Them

Homemade sprays for earwig infestations can be a potent and effective solution. These homemade insecticides are safe for home use and can be used to create natural repellents for earwigs. Homemade deterrents can be made using common household items. Recipes for creating repellents can be found online.

Safe earwig extermination can be achieved using DIY methods that prioritize family well-being. Organic earwig control is also a viable option. Effective spray techniques can be maximized using these homemade solutions. Home remedies for earwig removal can be used to create a pest-free environment. Preventative measures can be implemented to prevent earwig infestations.

About Earwigs and Damage Symptoms

Earwigs are small, brown insects that have a pair of pincers at the end of their abdomen. They are mostly nocturnal and hide in moist, dark places during the day, such as under mulch, leaves, stones, or bark. They feed on a variety of organic matter, including plants, flowers, fruits, moss, and other insects.

Earwigs can cause damage to gardens by chewing holes in leaves, petals, buds, and fruits. They can also stunt the growth of young seedlings by feeding on their roots. Earwigs are not harmful to humans and pets, but they can pinch with their pincers if disturbed.

Top 10 Homemade Sprays for Earwigs

Coffee Grounds Barrier

One way to deter earwigs from entering your garden is to create a barrier of coffee grounds around the plants. Coffee grounds are acidic and have a strong smell that earwigs do not like. Sprinkle used coffee grounds along the soil surface or around the base of the plants. You can mix coffee grounds and water and spray it on the plants. Repeat this process every few days or after rain.

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Citrus Peel Spray

Another natural repellent for earwigs is citrus peel spray. Citrus peels contain limonene, a compound that is toxic to earwigs and other insects. To make this spray, you will need some orange or lemon peels, water, and a blender. Cut the peels into small pieces and blend them with water until smooth. Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the plants and soil with this solution once a week or as needed.

Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar Bait

Baking soda and powdered sugar bait is another easy way to lure and kill earwigs. Baking soda reacts with acid in their stomachs and causes them to explode, while powdered sugar attracts them with its sweetness. To make this bait, you will need some baking soda, powdered sugar, and a shallow container (such as a plastic lid or a jar lid). Mix equal parts of baking soda and powdered sugar and place them in the container. Put the container near the plants where you see earwig activity at night. The earwigs will eat the bait and die.

Catnip Spray

Catnip spray is another natural repellent for earwigs. Catnip contains nepetalactone, a chemical that repels earwigs and other insects. To make this spray, you will need some fresh or dried catnip, water, and a pot. Boil some water and add the catnip to it. Let it steep for about 15 minutes, and then strain the liquid. Add some dish soap to it and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the plants and soil with this solution every few days or as needed.

Lavender Sachets

Lavender sachets are another aromatic way to keep earwigs away from your plants. Lavender has a pleasant smell for humans but a repulsive one for earwigs and other pests. To make these sachets, you will need some dried lavender flowers, some cheesecloth or muslin, and some string or ribbon. Cut the cheesecloth or muslin into small squares and place some lavender flowers in the center of each square. Gather the corners of the square and tie them with string or ribbon to form a pouch. Hang these sachets around your plants or place them on the soil.

Mint Oil Spray

Mint oil spray is another effective homemade spray for earwigs. Mint oil has a strong scent that earwigs find unpleasant and can also interfere with their nervous system. To make this spray, you will need some fresh or dried mint leaves, water, and a pot. Boil some water, add the mint leaves to it. Let it steep for about 15 minutes, and then strain the liquid. Add some dish soap to it and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the plants and soil with this solution every few days or as needed.

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Hot Pepper Spray

Hot pepper spray is a spicy way to get rid of earwigs. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, a substance that irritates the skin and eyes of earwigs and other pests. To make this spray, you will need some hot peppers (like cayenne, jalapeno, or habanero), water, vinegar, and a blender. Chop the peppers and blend them with water and vinegar until smooth. Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the plants and soil with this solution once a week or as needed. Be careful not to get it on your skin or eyes.

Cornmeal Bait

Cornmeal bait is a simple way to trap and kill earwigs. Cornmeal is attractive to earwigs because they like to eat starches, but it is also indigestible for them and can cause them to die. To make this bait, you will need some cornmeal, water, and a shallow container (such as a plastic lid or a jar lid). Mix some cornmeal with water to form a paste and place it in the container. Put the container near the plants where you see earwig activity at night. The earwigs will crawl into the container to eat the cornmeal and die.

Petroleum Jelly Barrier

A petroleum jelly barrier is another way to prevent earwigs from reaching your plants. Petroleum jelly is sticky and slippery and can make it difficult for earwigs to climb over it. To make this barrier, you will need some petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) and a paintbrush or cotton swab. Apply a layer of petroleum jelly around the stems or trunks of the plants or the rims of pots or containers. The earwigs will get stuck on the petroleum jelly, or avoid it altogether.

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Epsom Salt Solution

Epsom salt solution is another simple way to deter earwigs from your garden. Epsom salt mineral compound that can dehydrate earwigs and other insects and also provide magnesium and sulfur to your plants. To make this solution, you will need some Epsom salt and water. Dissolve Epsom salt in water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the plants and soil with this solution once a week or as needed.

Conclusion

Earwigs are common pests that can damage your plants by feeding on them. However, you can get rid of them using homemade sprays that are easy to make and safe to use. These sprays use natural ingredients that can repel, trap, or kill earwigs without harming your plants or the environment. Try these sprays and see which one works best for you.