10 Best Earwig Killers to Eliminate These Creepy Crawlers for Good

I’ve tested numerous earwig control products and found that the most effective solutions combine different active ingredients for thorough elimination. Petra Bellas Barrier Earwig Repellent offers plant-powered, family-safe protection, while Ortho Home Defense Max provides long-lasting chemical barriers lasting up to 365 days. Garden Safe’s diatomaceous earth works through physical dehydration, and TERRO T901-6 delivers fast-acting granular control for outdoor areas. The key lies in matching your specific situation with the right application method and ingredient type to achieve complete elimination.

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Notable Insights

• Petra Bellas Barrier Earwig Repellent provides plant-powered, family-safe protection for indoor and outdoor use in a 32-ounce spray bottle.
• Ortho Home Defense Max creates a 365-day barrier on nonporous surfaces with an Extended Reach Comfort Wand for easy application.
• Garden Safe Crawling Insect Killer uses non-toxic diatomaceous earth that kills earwigs through direct contact and dehydration in a 4-pound container.
• Granny Dee’s Silverfish Killer eliminates 70% of pests instantly with plant-based ingredients, requiring 2-3 weekly applications for ongoing prevention.
• TERRO T901-6 Ant Killer Plus offers fast-acting granular formula that eliminates 12+ pest species within 24 hours in a 3-pound package.

Petra Bellas Barrier Earwig Repellent Bug Spray (32 Oz)

When you’re dealing with persistent earwig infestations around your home and garden, Petra Bellas Barrier Earwig Repellent Bug Spray offers a plant-powered solution that’s both effective and family-safe. This 32-ounce spray bottle delivers extensive protection against earwigs, ants, and various other crawling insects through its essential oil formulation. You’ll appreciate that this American-made product from Carlisle, Pennsylvania provides cruelty-free pest control without compromising your family’s safety or your pets’ well-being. The versatile formula works effectively in both indoor and outdoor applications, giving you flexibility to target problem areas wherever earwigs congregate around your property.

Best For: Homeowners seeking a family-safe and pet-friendly solution to eliminate earwig infestations both indoors and outdoors using plant-based ingredients.

Pros:

• Plant-powered formulation with essential oils provides effective pest control while remaining safe for families and pets
• Versatile application for both indoor and outdoor use with wide coverage area from the 32 oz bottle
• Made in the USA by a family-owned company, offering a cruelty-free alternative to conventional bug sprays

Cons:

• Specific usage instructions and application directions are not clearly provided with the product information
• Limited to targeting primarily crawling insects like earwigs and ants rather than flying pests
• May require more frequent reapplication compared to synthetic chemical alternatives due to natural formulation

Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand (1 gal.)

Homeowners seeking extensive, long-lasting protection against earwigs and other crawling insects will find their solution in Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier. This powerful formula eliminates ants, roaches, spiders, fleas, and ticks while providing an impressive 365-day protection barrier on nonporous surfaces. You’ll appreciate the Extended Reach Comfort Wand, which allows easy application without uncomfortable bending or straining. The versatile spray works effectively in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and around entry points like doors and windows. You can also create an outdoor perimeter barrier around your home’s foundation for all-encompassing protection. Whether you’re addressing an active infestation or implementing preventative measures, this one-gallon container delivers reliable, year-long defense against unwanted crawling pests.

Best For: Homeowners who want long-lasting protection against crawling insects like ants, roaches, spiders, fleas, and ticks with easy application using the extended reach wand.

Pros:

• Provides 365-day protection on nonporous surfaces for year-long peace of mind
• Extended Reach Comfort Wand allows easy application without bending or straining
• Versatile use both indoors and outdoors for comprehensive home protection

Cons:

• May require reapplication on porous surfaces more frequently than the advertised 365 days
• One-gallon size may be excessive for smaller homes or apartments
• Chemical formula may not be suitable for households preferring natural pest control methods

Granny Dee’s Silverfish Killer Indoor & Outdoor (Plant-Based Bug Killer)

Granny Dee’s Silverfish Killer Indoor & Outdoor stands out as the ideal choice for families seeking effective pest control without compromising safety, since it eliminates earwigs and 25+ other pests using plant-based ingredients. Powered by peppermint oil, this spray delivers impressive results, eliminating approximately 70% of pests instantly and achieving complete elimination within 24 hours. You’ll appreciate the invigorating peppermint scent that replaces harsh chemical odors, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. Apply 2-3 times weekly for ongoing prevention, and rest assured knowing it’s safe for children, pets, and plants when used properly.

Best For: Families with children and pets who want effective pest control against silverfish, earwigs, ants, flies, spiders and 20+ other pests using safe, plant-based ingredients instead of harsh chemicals.

Pros:

• Eliminates 70% of pests instantly and achieves complete elimination within 24 hours using natural peppermint oil
• Safe for children, pets, and plants when used as directed, with a pleasant peppermint scent instead of harsh chemical odors
• Versatile indoor and outdoor application suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor spaces

Cons:

• Some users experienced difficulties with the trigger sprayer attachment requiring proper length adjustment
• Peppermint oil can cause mild illness in pets if ingested in larger quantities despite being generally safe
• Requires frequent application of 2-3 times per week for ongoing pest prevention

TERRO T901-6 Ant Killer Plus Multi-Purpose Insect Control (3lb)

The TERRO T901-6 Ant Killer Plus stands out as the ideal solution for property owners who need extensive pest control that targets multiple insect species, including stubborn earwigs, in a single application. This granular insecticide delivers fast-acting results, eliminating earwigs and eleven other common pests within 24 hours of contact. You’ll appreciate the convenient resealable shaker bag design, which eliminates the need for expensive chemical spreaders or broadcasting equipment during application.

The 3-pound formula provides excellent coverage for outdoor areas, allowing you to create protective bands around your home’s foundation or treat specific problem areas where earwigs congregate. Beyond immediate pest elimination, this product offers residual repellency that continues protecting your property from future infestations for extended periods.

Best For: Property owners who need comprehensive outdoor pest control targeting multiple insect species including ants, earwigs, roaches, and other common pests around their home’s foundation and yard areas.

Pros:

• Fast-acting formula that eliminates 12+ different pest species within 24 hours of contact
• Convenient resealable shaker bag design requires no additional equipment for application
• Provides both immediate pest elimination and long-term residual repellency for ongoing protection

Cons:

• Limited to outdoor use only, restricting application for indoor pest problems
• Granular format may not be effective for flying insects or pests that don’t come into direct contact with treated areas
• 3-pound size may be insufficient for treating large properties or severe infestations

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor and Perimeter (1.33 gal)

Homeowners seeking thorough earwig control both inside and outside their homes will find Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor and Perimeter an effective, dual-purpose solution. This 1.33-gallon insecticide targets earwigs alongside eight other common household pests, including ants, cockroaches, spiders, and fleas, making it versatile for extensive pest management. You’ll appreciate its long-lasting protection, which provides up to 12 months of defense against crawling insects on non-porous surfaces. The battery-powered Comfort Wand enables continuous spray application, allowing you to treat both indoor areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as well as outdoor perimeters around foundations, patios, and decks with consistent coverage.

Best For: Homeowners who need comprehensive pest control for both indoor and outdoor areas and want long-lasting protection against multiple types of crawling insects including earwigs, ants, cockroaches, and spiders.

Pros:

• Targets nine different types of household pests with a single product, providing versatile pest management
• Offers up to 12 months of protection on non-porous surfaces, reducing the need for frequent reapplication
• Includes a battery-powered Comfort Wand for easy, continuous spray application both indoors and outdoors

Cons:

• Large 1.33-gallon size may be excessive for smaller homes or minor pest problems
• Protection duration may vary on porous surfaces compared to the advertised 12-month period
• Requires battery power for the spray wand, which may need replacement or charging over time

BUG AND SLUG BAIT 1.5LB 037321009085, Granules

Gardening enthusiasts who prioritize organic pest control will find this Bug and Slug Bait particularly effective for managing multiple garden pests simultaneously. The iron phosphate and Spinosad formula targets earwigs, cutworms, sowbugs, pillbugs, crickets, ants, slugs, and snails with organic certification. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-use pellet form that covers up to 3,000 square feet, making it ideal for fruit trees, berries, ornamentals, and vegetables. The bait lures insects from their hiding places for effective termination while remaining safe for people and pets. You can enter treated areas immediately after application, though you should avoid eye contact and wear protective equipment during use.

Best For: Organic gardeners seeking a comprehensive pest control solution that effectively targets multiple common garden pests including slugs, snails, earwigs, and cutworms while maintaining safety for people and pets.

Pros:

• Organic certification with iron phosphate and Spinosad active ingredients makes it safe for use around people and pets with immediate area re-entry
• Covers large areas efficiently with up to 3,000 square feet of coverage from a 1.5lb container
• Targets multiple pest types simultaneously including slugs, snails, earwigs, cutworms, sowbugs, pillbugs, crickets, and certain ants

Cons:

• Not effective against all ant species, limiting its comprehensive pest control capabilities
• Requires protective equipment during application and care to avoid eye contact despite being organic
• Granule application rate calculations may be complex for gardeners treating irregular or small garden spaces

Safer Home Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb Organic Insect Killer (SH51703)

Pest control enthusiasts seeking an effective, chemical-free solution will find the Safer Home Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb Organic Insect Killer perfectly suited for thorough earwig elimination. This OMRI-listed organic powder contains 85% silicon dioxide from diatomaceous earth, which dehydrates crawling insects like earwigs within 48 hours of contact. You’ll appreciate its versatility for both indoor and outdoor applications, allowing strategic placement in cracks, crevices, and baseboards where earwigs commonly hide. The non-staining, odorless formula guarantees safe use around pets and children while maintaining effectiveness against persistent infestations. Customer feedback consistently highlights rapid results, with many users reporting complete pest disappearance within days of proper application.

Best For: Homeowners seeking an organic, chemical-free solution to eliminate crawling insects like earwigs, roaches, ants, fleas, and bedbugs both indoors and outdoors.

Pros:

• OMRI-listed organic formula with 85% silicon dioxide that’s safe for use around pets and children
• Effective against multiple crawling insects with dehydration occurring within 48 hours of contact
• Non-staining and odorless powder that can be applied both indoors and outdoors in various settings

Cons:

• Requires reapplication after rain or watering to maintain effectiveness
• Only works on crawling insects, not flying pests
• Takes up to 48 hours to dehydrate insects rather than providing instant elimination

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Earwig Killer

When selecting the right earwig killer for your specific situation, I recommend evaluating several key factors that’ll determine your product’s effectiveness and safety. You’ll need to assess the active ingredient types available, whether you’re treating indoor or outdoor spaces, and how safe the formula is around your pets. Additionally, think about your preferred application method, such as sprays versus granules, and calculate the coverage area requirements for your property.

Active Ingredient Types

The foundation of effective earwig control lies in understanding the diverse active ingredients available, as each offers distinct advantages and mechanisms for pest elimination. Plant-based essential oils provide natural effectiveness while maintaining safety for your family and pets, making them ideal for households with children or animals. Diatomaceous earth works through physical dehydration upon contact, offering a non-chemical approach that appeals to environmentally conscious gardeners seeking mechanical pest control methods. Synthetic insecticides deliver rapid results by targeting earwig nervous systems through neurotoxic mechanisms, ensuring quick elimination when immediate action is necessary. I recommend considering each ingredient’s safety profile and environmental impact, as some formulations may affect beneficial insects and wildlife in your garden ecosystem.

Indoor Vs Outdoor

Beyond selecting the right active ingredient, you’ll need to match your earwig killer to the specific location where you’re facing the infestation. Indoor treatments prioritize immediate contact kill with residual effects, using family-safe formulations that protect non-porous surfaces for up to a year. These products excel in tight spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, where earwigs often hide in damp, secluded areas. Outdoor solutions typically feature bait or granular forms that create protective barriers around foundations and garden areas, targeting broader infestations effectively. However, outdoor formulations require reapplication after rain or heavy watering, unlike their indoor counterparts. Consider earwigs’ life cycle and habitat preferences when choosing your approach, as these pests thrive in moisture-rich environments both inside and outside your home.

Safety for Pets

Since your beloved pets spend considerable time in areas where earwigs may appear, selecting pet-safe formulations becomes paramount for effective pest control. I recommend choosing products explicitly labeled as safe for pets, which prevents health risks from ingestion or contact with treated surfaces. Many effective options feature plant-powered formulations, including essential oils that target earwigs while minimizing toxicity to your furry companions. Look for cruelty-free certifications, which indicate testing methods that don’t harm animals during product development. Read application instructions carefully to guarantee proper usage that limits pet exposure, such as allowing treated areas to dry completely before reentry. I always advise keeping pets away from treated spaces for the manufacturer’s specified duration, following re-entry guidelines to maintain their safety.

Application Method Preferences

Different application methods offer unique advantages, making your choice dependent on specific infestation patterns, target locations, and personal preferences. I recommend sprays when you need immediate contact kill, especially for reaching hidden crevices where earwigs often hide during daylight hours. Granular baits work exceptionally well as long-lasting perimeter barriers around your home’s foundation, providing weeks of residual protection. Powders excel in tight spaces like cracks and gaps, creating protective barriers that crawling insects can’t cross effectively. If you have mobility concerns, consider wands with extended reach that eliminate the need for bending or crouching. Remember that sprays typically require reapplication every few weeks, while granular and powder treatments offer extended protection depending on weather conditions.

Coverage Area Requirements

Three critical measurements determine whether an earwig killer will effectively protect your property: total square footage, application density, and coverage duration per treatment. I recommend measuring your indoor and outdoor spaces first, since products specify coverage ranges that vary dramatically between sprays, granules, and powders. Sprays typically cover larger areas quickly, making them ideal for extensive outdoor treatments, while granular applications provide concentrated protection in smaller zones.

You’ll need products labeled for both environments if you’re treating mixed indoor-outdoor spaces. I’ve found that checking reapplication requirements is essential, especially after rain or weather changes that can reduce effectiveness. Consider products that offer extended coverage duration to minimize frequent retreatments, particularly for larger properties where consistent protection across square footage becomes more challenging and costly.

Residual Protection Duration

While coverage area determines how much product you’ll need, residual protection duration affects how often you’ll need to reapply treatments to maintain consistent earwig control. The best insecticides provide extended protection, with some premium formulations offering up to 365 days of effectiveness on non-porous surfaces like concrete patios, foundation walls, and garage floors. However, environmental conditions greatly impact how long your treatment remains active against earwigs and related pests. Rainfall, humidity levels, and temperature fluctuations can reduce residual effectiveness, particularly for outdoor applications where weather exposure breaks down active ingredients more quickly. Indoor treatments typically last longer but may require more frequent reapplication when used in exposed outdoor areas, making product selection essential for your specific pest management strategy.

On a final note

I’ve guided you through eight effective earwig killers, from natural diatomaceous earth options to powerful chemical sprays, each targeting these persistent pests differently. Whether you prefer organic solutions like Garden Safe’s crawling insect killer or need heavy-duty protection with Ortho’s barrier spray, there’s an option that’ll work for your specific situation. Consider your application area, safety concerns, and infestation severity when choosing. With the right product and proper application, you’ll reclaim your garden from these unwanted crawlers.