Managing Unwanted Bugs in Your Home

Encountering bugs in your home is inevitable, but some creepy crawlies are less welcome than others.

Common Bugs in Rural Areas

Living in rural areas means you’re familiar with flies, ants, spiders, and other insects trying to invade your home, especially during the summer months. While some people tolerate these annual invasions, others are less accommodating. Personally, I can handle spiders and the occasional fly, but earwigs are where I draw the line.

Earwigs: Identification and Control

You’ve likely seen earwigs in your home without realizing it. Though they look intimidating, earwigs are harmless and do not sting or bite. However, most people find them unpleasant and prefer not to have them around.

Effective Earwig Trap

Facebook user Alicia Alexander shared a simple and effective method to deal with earwigs. She recommends filling a shallow bowl with half a cup of olive oil and placing it in your backyard or on your deck. The earwigs are attracted to the olive oil’s sweetness but cannot escape once they enter the bowl.

Here are the results after less than 24 hours and again after 36 hours:

Understanding Earwig Presence

An unusual number of earwigs in your home might indicate rotting wood, as they are attracted to it. Check any wooden structures at home for rot. However, earwigs seeking warmth inside your house is normal and unlikely to cause any harm.

Did you know about this simple hack to get rid of earwigs? Let us know in the comments.