Earwigs (or you may know them as pincher bugs) are a common pest that can cause distress to homeowners, particularly those with gardens or outdoor spaces. These small insects have a reputation for being creepy and unpleasant, and they can cause damage to plants and gardens if left unchecked. One commonly suggested method for repelling earwigs is the use of coffee grounds. But, do coffee grounds really work to repel earwigs?
Coffee grounds repel earwigs according to many people, but most studies that have looked into this theory have found little to no evidence that this is true.
Earwigs are attracted to dark, moist areas where they can hide during the day and come out to feed at night. They are particularly attracted to moist soil and decaying organic material, which is why they are often found in flower beds and outdoor spaces. While earwigs do not cause significant damage to garden plants, they can still be a nuisance and cause anxiety for homeowners.
Why are coffee grounds thought to repel earwigs?
There are a few different theories as to why coffee grounds might work to repel earwigs. One theory is that the strong odor and bitter taste of coffee grounds are unpleasant to earwigs and will repel them and keep them away from plants and outdoor spaces. Some people even suggest using coffee grounds as a barrier around plants or a vegetable garden to prevent earwigs from getting to them.
Another theory is that the caffeine in coffee grounds is toxic to earwigs and will kill them if they come into contact with it. Despite these theories, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of coffee grounds as a method for repelling earwigs.
Is there evidence that coffee grounds repel earwigs?
One study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology in 2002 tested the effectiveness of coffee grounds as a method for repelling ants. The study found that while coffee grounds did have some repellent properties, they were not effective at repelling ants over the long term. The researchers concluded that coffee grounds are unlikely to be an effective method for controlling insect pests.
Another study published in the Journal of Pest Science in 2014 tested the effectiveness of coffee grounds as a method for repelling slugs and snails. The study found that while coffee grounds did have some repellent properties, they were not effective at preventing slugs and snails from eating plants. The researchers concluded that coffee grounds are unlikely to be an effective method for controlling slugs and snails in gardens.
While these studies do not specifically test the effectiveness of coffee grounds as a method for repelling earwigs, they do suggest that coffee grounds may not be an effective method for controlling insect pests in general.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, some people still swear by the use of coffee grounds as an organic pest control method. There are a few anecdotal reports of people successfully using coffee grounds to keep earwigs away from garden beds and outdoor spaces. However, it is important to note that these reports are not backed up by scientific evidence and may simply be the result of coincidence or other factors.
Other methods for repelling earwigs
If you are looking for natural remedies for repelling earwigs, there are other options to consider:
Diatomaceous earth
One great way is to use diatomaceous earth in the affected area, which is a natural substance made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is a fine powder that can be sprinkled around plants and outdoor spaces to repel earwigs and other insects. The powder sticks to the exoskeleton of the insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. Diatomaceous earth is safe to use around plants and pets and is an effective method for controlling earwigs.
Sticky Traps
Another effective method is to use sticky traps, which are sticky sheets that can be placed around plants and outdoor spaces to catch earwigs and other insects. The earwigs will be attracted to the trap and become stuck, preventing them from causing damage to plants. Sticky traps are a safe and effective method for controlling earwigs without the use of harsh chemicals.
Cedar Oil
Cedar oil is a natural insecticide that can repel earwigs and other insects. It can be sprayed around plants and outdoor spaces to create a barrier that will keep earwigs away. Cedar oil is safe for use around plants and pets and is an effective method for controlling earwigs.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can repel earwigs and other insects. It can be sprayed around plants and outdoor spaces to create a barrier that will keep earwigs away. Neem oil is safe for use around plants and pets and is a popular method for these garden pests.
Essential Oils
Essential oils such as peppermint oil, lavender, and lemon can be used as a natural way to repel earwigs because of their strong scent. These oils can be mixed with warm water in a spray bottle and sprayed around plants and outdoor spaces to create a barrier that will keep earwigs away. Essential oils are safe for use around plants and pets and are an effective natural repellent for controlling earwigs.
In addition to these methods, it is important to keep outdoor spaces clean and dry (no standing water!). Earwigs are attracted to dark, damp hiding places where they have access to organic matter, such as leaf litter. You may often find them near a compost pile, so it’s a good idea to place any compost a good distance away from your home. By removing debris, and dead plant material and keeping outdoor spaces clean and dry, you can make your yard less attractive to earwigs.
Overall, there are several effective earwig solutions available to control and prevent infestations. These natural methods are safe for use around plants and pets and can be a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to harmful chemicals.
When to call pest control
Large earwig populations may require a call to your local pest control, as the problem can get out of hand and hard to get rid of them all since they love to hide. If you don’t ensure that all entry points are well sealed, this can quickly lead to earwigs in your house. If you have already found earwigs in your home, check out this article for ways to get rid of these tiny pests.