Begin by searching for excess moisture. Check beneath sinks, around toilets, near washing machines, and along basement walls for leaks or persistent dampness. Repair dripping faucets and leaking pipes, improve ventilation where possible, and dry wet surfaces. A dehumidifier may also help in persistently humid areas. Removing moisture doesn’t just discourage earwigs—it can make conditions less favorable for several other moisture-loving household pests.

Next, determine how they might be entering. Examine exterior doors, window frames, foundations, utility openings, and other areas where small gaps may exist. Weatherstripping, screens, and appropriate sealants can close many of these pathways. Earwigs can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so seemingly insignificant cracks around the exterior deserve attention.

The area immediately surrounding your house matters too. Damp leaves, thick mulch, stacked firewood, boards, and other organic debris can provide dark hiding places. Keep these materials from accumulating directly against the foundation when practical. Improving drainage and reducing consistently damp hiding spots near exterior walls can also decrease the number of earwigs gathering close enough to wander indoors.

If earwigs are already inside, vacuuming or physically removing individual insects is often sufficient for occasional visitors. Traps may help when numbers increase, but eliminating attractive conditions provides the better long-term strategy. Earwigs generally aren’t dangerous household invaders, and their pincers are primarily defensive rather than evidence that they’re hunting people. So if they suddenly begin appearing around your home, don’t focus only on the insects you can see. Look for moisture, hiding places, and tiny entrances—because those are often the real reasons they keep coming back.