How to Use earwig in a Sentence
earwig
noun-
An earwig doesn’t seem to help.
—Peter White, Deadline, 4 May 2026
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What smells do earwigs hate the most?
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Here’s how to get rid of earwigs and keep them from coming back.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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For large pests such as earwigs and rodents, try covering the tree.
—Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026
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Fish oil or vegetable oil with some cooking grease added works well to attract earwigs, which then get stuck in the oil.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Some earwigs and other insects play dead when threatened by a predator.
—Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
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Some earwig species release a foul-smelling liquid as a defense when attacked.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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These dusts are long-lasting and can effectively kill earwigs over time.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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Finding any kind of insect in your home can be off-putting, but earwigs are one of the easier pests to deal with.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Try to see where earwig activity is worst in your home, and then look for nearby leaks and sources of moisture.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Plant these herbs around your home to naturally repel earwigs and other pests.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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Frequently asked questions What is the quickest way to get rid of earwigs?
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Pick up the trap in the morning, discard the earwigs in a trash can, or shake them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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The earwigs are attracted by the scent of the soy sauce and easily become trapped in the oil mixture.
—The Spruce, 21 July 2026
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The European, spine-tailed, ring-legged, maritime, and least earwigs are the most common.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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Roll up a damp newspaper, magazine, or cardboard and place it in areas where earwigs are active.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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General pest control treatments can work to keep earwigs out of your home, along with other common pests, like ants and spiders.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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In dry seasons, earwigs venture indoors in search of moist environments.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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Another option is to place damp cardboard or newspaper around the base of your plants in the evening, which acts as a perfect hiding spot for earwigs.
—The Spruce, 21 July 2026
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Mulch can create a natural breeding ground for earwigs, which is beneficial, but don’t overdo it.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Minimizing indoor moisture is one of the best ways to avoid earwig infestations.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up earwigs, then discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister in soapy water.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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And while their appearance can be unsettling, earwigs are generally harmless to humans and pets.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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Indoor plants won’t always attract earwigs, but decaying plant matter or mold in the soil, issues that are common with over watering, will.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Plumbing leaks can create moisture behind your walls that naturally attracts earwigs inside.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Since earwigs are attracted to lights, use yellow or sodium vapor lights, which are less attractive to insects, and position outdoor lights away from entry points.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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Most homeowners can fix underlying issues themselves and get rid of earwigs without calling a professional for help.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
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Common zinnia pests include aphids, spider mites, earwigs, grasshoppers, and Japanese beetles.
—The Spruce, 21 July 2026
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These baits typically contain a slow-acting poison that the earwigs will carry back to their nests, affecting the entire population.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
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Most earwig problems begin outside, where damp piles of leaves, firewood or other debris create an attractive environment for the insects.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'earwig.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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