If you’re a Sacramento resident, you may have noticed earwigs creeping into your home, especially during the fall months. Known for their pincers and nocturnal habits, these insects can be a nuisance indoors. But why are earwigs drawn to your home, and what can you do to keep them out? We take a look at the common causes of earwig infestations along with prevention tips to keep your home earwig-free. When you need pest control services in Sacramento or the surrounding towns, contact Direct Hit Pest Control.

Why Earwigs Are Attracted to Your Home

Sacramento's climate makes for ideal earwig conditions. While earwigs prefer moist environments, they often venture indoors during temperature fluctuations. These specific factors attract earwigs:

Moisture and Humidity

Earwigs thrive in moist environments, which is why they’re often found in basements, bathrooms, and under sinks. In Sacramento, water from irrigation systems or overwatering can create damp soil, drawing earwigs near your home’s foundation. Once there, they may seek shelter indoors if they find entry points.

Shady or Leafy Gardens

Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer dark, shaded areas during the day. Gardens with thick mulch, damp leaves, or dense ground cover provide ideal hiding spots. Earwigs often hide in these areas, moving closer to your home as they search for food or refuge.

Light and Shelter at Night

Like many insects, earwigs are attracted to light. Outdoor lights or lit windows at night can lure them closer to your home. They’ll enter through cracks, gaps in doors, or even torn window screens, taking advantage of any easy entry point.

How to Keep Earwigs Out:

Reduce Moisture

Since earwigs are drawn to moisture, start by fixing any leaks in and around the house. Use a dehumidifier in basements, repair leaky faucets, and be mindful of overwatering garden beds. Ensure that gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.

Seal Entry Points

Earwigs can enter through tiny cracks and gaps. Seal doors, windows, and foundational cracks with weatherstripping or caulk to minimize entry points. Check that window screens are intact and fit tightly, especially around ground-floor windows.

Use Outdoor Lighting Strategically

To reduce nighttime attraction, replace bright white outdoor lights with yellow “bug lights,” which are less appealing to insects. Avoid keeping lights near windows, and consider using motion-activated lights to minimize continuous attraction.

Clear Debris and Trim Landscaping

Remove any piles of leaves, wood, or yard debris close to your home, as these make perfect earwig hiding spots. Trim back plants and shrubs near the foundation to create a dry, open space that’s less inviting to pests.



Pest Control in Sacramento

Direct Hit Pest Control provides professional residential and commercial pest control in Sacramento, Rio Linda, and the surrounding California communities. Our team has more than 30 years of pest control experience, giving us the knowledge and know-how to provide the highest quality services. We routinely help our clients with insect infestation and prevention. If something unwanted is living in your trees, yard, or under your roof, it’s best to let a professional pest control technician remove it so you don’t put yourself at risk of bites or other injuries To request an estimate or more information about pest control in Sacramento, give our friendly team a call at (916) 992-6870 today.