Does Borax Kill Earwigs?

Earwigs can be pesky little critters to deal with, especially if they're taking up residence in your home. Many people ask whether or not Borax can kill earwigs. Luckily, we have done some research about the proper way of stopping earwigs infestation.

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that is highly effective at killing earwigs. When earwigs come into contact with Borax, it dries them out and kills them. Borax is safe to use around children and pets, and it is available at most hardware stores. So if you're looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of earwigs, reach for the Borax.

Keep reading to learn the few things you need to know before you go using Borax in killing earwigs. Find out other alternatives to disrupt earwigs infestation in your home and garden.

Box of 20 mule team borax, Does Borax Kill Earwigs?

What Kind of Damage Can Earwigs Do to a Home? 

Earwigs are one of the most feared pests in the insect world. With their distinctive pincers, they can inflict a painful bite, and they are known to target people while they sleep.

But, while earwigs may be feared, the truth is that they are mostly harmless. In fact, they are more likely to damage your plants than your home.

Earwigs are small, winged insects that are attracted to damp, dark places. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and other areas where there is high moisture.

Additionally, earwigs feed on a variety of soft-bodied insects, and they can quickly decimate a population of aphids or caterpillars. They also enjoy eating the petals of flowers, which can cause significant damage to a garden.

Earwigs eating chamomile flower

While earwigs can be a nuisance, it is important to remember that they play an important role in the ecosystem. Without them, our gardens would be overrun with harmful pests.

Does Borax Really Kill Earwigs? 

European earwig

There's no denying that earwigs are pests. They're destructive little creatures that can wreak havoc on your garden, and they're notoriously difficult to get rid of. So, it's no wonder that people are always looking for new ways to kill them.

One popular method is to use Borax. But does it really work?

Fortunately, Borax is an effective treatment against earwigs. When earwigs come into contact with Borax, it disrupts their exoskeletons and kills them.

In addition, Borax is a desiccant, which means that it absorbs moisture. This makes it an ideal treatment for earwigs, as they require high levels of moisture to survive.

Ultimately, Borax is a safe and effective way to get rid of earwigs. However, it is important to use it carefully, as Borax can be harmful to pets and children if ingested.

How to Kill Earwigs Using Borax? 

Earwig standing on the piece of paper

Earwigs can be a real pest, but there are ways to get rid of them using Borax.

  1. First, mix one-part Borax with three parts sugar.
  2. Next, wet some cotton balls with water and dip them in the mixture.
  3. Finally, place the cotton balls near where you think the earwigs are hiding. The earwigs will be attracted to the sugar and will crawl into the cotton balls, where they will be killed by the Borax.

This method is safe and effective, and it will help keep your home free of these pesky insects.

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What Are the Precautions in Using Borax to Kill Earwigs? 

If you're looking for a way to kill earwigs, you may have heard that Borax is an effective option. And while it's true that Borax can be used to kill earwigs, there are a few things you should keep in mind before using it.

First of all, Borax is a poison, so it's important to use it with caution. You'll also want to avoid using it around children or pets, as they could accidentally ingest it.

Additionally, Borax can be harmful to plants, so be careful not to get it on any foliage.

Borax can be difficult to remove from surfaces, so it's important to use it sparingly and only in areas where earwigs are a problem.

By following these precautions, you can safely use Borax to kill earwigs and keep your home pest-free.

What Pests Can Also Be Killed Using Borax?

Borax is most commonly known as a household cleaner, but it can also be used to kill pests. When used as an insecticide, Borax works by disrupting the digestive system of the pest, causing it to dehydrate and die.

Because Borax is slow-acting, it gives the pest time to travel back to its nest or colony, where it can then spread the Borax to other members. This makes Borax particularly effective against social insects like ants and termites.

In addition, Borax can also be used to kill fleas, cockroaches, ants, and termites. and silverfish. When used correctly, Borax is a safe and effective way to control many common household pests.

Termites at a small hole in the timber

These creatures are all very detrimental to one's household since they can spread diseases and contaminate food sources. Borax is an effective means of killing them because it interferes with the insects' nervous systems.

Yet still, it is important to use Borax sparingly and only in areas where these pests are present. When used correctly, Borax can help to keep your home free of these unwanted guests.

What Are Some Other Natural Ways to Get Rid of Earwigs? 

Although earwigs are harmless to humans, their pincers can deliver a painful pinch if they feel threatened. In addition, these pests can cause extensive damage to crops and gardens.

Natural Oils

If you're looking for a natural way to get rid of earwigs, try using oils. Citronella, eucalyptus, and peppermint oil are all effective at repelling earwigs. You can either apply the oil directly to the affected area or add it to a diffuser.

Duct Tape

Duct tape roll

Another option is to create a trap using a roll of duct tape. Simply wrap the tape around a stick or your finger, leaving the sticky side exposed. Then place the trap near areas where you've seen earwigs activity.

The earwigs will be attracted to the sticky surface and become trapped. You can then dispose of them as you see fit.

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Oil and Soy Sauce

There are a number of natural ways to get rid of earwigs, including oil and soy sauce traps. Simply fill a container with either of these liquids and place it near areas where earwigs are often found. The earwigs will be attracted to the liquid and will crawl into the container, where they will drown. 

Soap

Woman holding spa sponge in the water

Another is to place a bowl of soapy water near areas where you have seen earwigs. The insects will be attracted to the water and drown when they try to take a drink.

Vinegar and Water Spray

One is to mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use this solution to spray directly on the earwigs. The vinegar will kill the earwigs and the water will help to dilute the vinegar so that it is safe to use around plants. 

By taking these simple steps, you can effectively get rid of earwigs without resorting to harmful chemicals.

How to Prevent an Infestation of Earwigs? 

If you're noticing more earwigs than usual in your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. Start by inspecting the outside of your house for cracks or holes. 

Earwigs can cause problems when they invade homes in large numbers, as they are known to damage crops and infest stored food.

While earwigs can be difficult to control once they become established, there are a few things that you can do to prevent an infestation.

  1. First, seal any cracks or crevices in your home that might provide access to earwigs.
  2. Second, remove any sources of moisture that might attract them, such as leaky pipes or standing water.
  3. In addition, keep an eye on your landscaping. Earwigs are attracted to mulch and Compost, so consider removing these from around your foundation. 
  4. You can also reduce the population of earwigs by removing sources of food and shelter from your yard. Keep trash cans tightly sealed, clear away fallen leaves and decaying wood, and trim overgrown plants. 
  5. Finally, try to keep your home as clean as possible, as earwigs will often feed on dirt and debris.

As you try these steps, you can help to prevent the infestation of earwigs.

Final Thoughts

While borax may not be the only answer to getting rid of earwigs, it is a good place to start. If you are looking for a more comprehensive approach to getting rid of these pests, call experts today. They can surely help you develop a plan that works for your specific situation.

To find more tips for preventing pests infestation, see our posts below:

Sevin Not Killing Aphids – What To Do?

How Do Black Ants Get In The House?

Can Neem Oil Be Used Indoors?