How to Make an Earwig Trap: DIY Baited Container That Catches Them Fast

How to make an earwig trap that works in 24 hours? They’re gone with this simple solution. 🌱 I’ve spent years testing DIY methods, and this one—using a plastic bottle and a little beer—actually works.

No chemicals, no fuss, just a container that lures them in and keeps them trapped. The secret is their love of damp, dark spaces. You’ll need a 2-liter bottle, scissors, and a non-alcoholic beer or yeasty liquid as bait.

Cut the bottle in half, invert the top into the base, and place it near problem areas. Earwigs crawl in but can’t climb out—it’s that easy. By morning, you’ll see dozens trapped inside. The best part? This method works for vegetable gardens, flower beds, and even patios.

No more hiding under mulch or chewing your basil leaves. For extra protection, repeat weekly during peak earwig season (spring and fall). Your plants will thank you—and so will your sanity.

What you need

Step-by-step instructions for making an earwig trap

Here's the quick, effective method I use to eliminate earwigs from my garden—no chemicals, just smart trapping.

You’ll need just four things: a shallow container (like a plastic lid or small bucket), damp newspaper or cardboard, a piece of wood or bark, and a dark, quiet spot in your garden. The key is keeping everything moist—earwigs adore damp, sheltered hiding places. I like to use a 10-inch-wide plastic lid because it’s lightweight and easy to move around.

Tear the newspaper into strips about 2 inches wide and dampen them slightly—just enough so they feel cool to the touch but don’t drip water. The moisture is the bait that lures earwigs in. If you’re using cardboard, soak it lightly and let it drain for a few minutes to avoid making the trap too soggy.

Place the damp newspaper or cardboard inside the container, spreading it out evenly. Then, add the piece of wood or bark on top—this creates the perfect dark, enclosed space earwigs can’t resist. Position the trap near problem areas, like under mulch, along garden edges, or under patio furniture where earwigs gather at night.

Earwigs are nocturnal, so set the trap in the evening and check it first thing in the morning. The trap works fastest when placed in shady, moist spots—direct sunlight will dry it out and scare them away. If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, place multiple traps about 3 feet apart for better coverage.

Every morning, lift the wood or bark and carefully remove any earwigs you find. Drop them into soapy water to dispose of them humanely—this prevents them from crawling back into your garden. After emptying the trap, dampen the newspaper or cardboard again and replace the wood. Consistency is key; earwigs will keep coming back if the trap stays dry.

You’ll start seeing results within 24-48 hours, but for a full eradication, keep the trap active for at least 5-7 days. If the trap stops catching earwigs after a few days, move it to a new location—they may have shifted their hiding spots. I’ve found that resetting the trap in the same spot every few days keeps the earwig population in check.

Earwigs thrive in damp conditions, so keep the newspaper or cardboard moist but not dripping. If the trap dries out, earwigs will avoid it. Spritz it lightly with water in the evening if it starts to feel dry. The goal is to mimic their natural habitat—cool, dark, and moist—so they’ll keep falling for the trap.

After a week, if you’re no longer finding earwigs, you can reduce the number of traps or remove them entirely. However, earwigs often return, so I keep a few traps on standby during warm, humid weather. If you notice new damage to plants, it’s a sign they’ve come back—just reset the traps and start the process again.

Tips & tricks for perfect earwig traps

Here's what I've learned after dealing with earwigs for years—these small tweaks make all the difference.

Location is Everything: The 24-48 hour window starts when you place the trap in the right spot. Focus on areas where you've seen earwig damage—like under patio furniture or along garden edges. I've found that placing traps near mulch piles works best because earwigs naturally gather there at night. If you're not seeing results after 48 hours, try moving the trap to a shadier location—they avoid direct sunlight.

Moisture Maintenance: The damp newspaper or cardboard is your secret weapon, but it needs consistent moisture. In dry weather, I spritz the trap with a spray bottle in the evening to keep it appealing. The key is to mimic their natural habitat—cool, dark, and moist. If the trap feels dry to the touch in the morning, it's time to refresh it. Earwigs are picky about their environment!

Timing Secret: The 24-48 hour window is just the beginning—earwigs are most active at night, so set your traps in the evening and check them first thing in the morning. I've noticed that if I check during the day, I rarely find any earwigs. They're nocturnal creatures, so patience is key. For severe infestations, place multiple traps about 3 feet apart—they'll spread out and cover more ground.

Reset Strategy: After emptying the trap each morning, don't forget to dampen the newspaper or cardboard again. I've made the mistake of skipping this step and found my traps became ineffective within a day. The consistency of moisture is what keeps them coming back. If you're dealing with a large area, keep a few traps on standby—earwigs often return after a week, especially during warm, humid weather.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about earwig traps? You’re not alone—these creepy crawlers can be tricky! Here are some of the most common concerns, answered in a flash.

How long does it take for an earwig trap to work?

Most DIY traps start catching earwigs within 24–48 hours, especially if placed near their hiding spots (like mulch, damp wood, or under rocks). For heavy infestations, check traps daily and refresh bait every 3–4 days to keep them effective. Patience is key—earwigs are nocturnal, so they’re most active at dusk and dawn.

Can I use beer or yeast instead of beer in my trap?

Beer is classic, but yeast mixed with water (1 tbsp yeast per cup of warm water) works just as well—it ferments and attracts earwigs with its sweet, yeasty scent. For a budget-friendly hack, try overripe fruit mash (like banana peels) or even a shallow dish of sugar and water. Just avoid vinegar or citrus—earwigs hate those!

When is the best time of year to set up earwig traps?

Earwigs thrive in warm, humid conditions, so set traps spring through early fall (April–October in most regions). They’re especially active after rain, so place traps 1–2 days post-rainfall for maximum effectiveness. If you’re dealing with a winter infestation (rare but possible), focus on indoor traps near basements or bathrooms.

What do I do if my trap isn’t catching any earwigs?

Don’t panic! First, check placement—traps should be near earwig hotspots (under pots, in garden beds, or along foundations). If the bait is dry or moldy, replace it. Try adding a damp cloth to the trap to mimic their love of moisture. Also, earwigs avoid direct sunlight, so place traps in shady, sheltered spots. If all else fails, consider outdoor lighting traps (they’re drawn to light at night).

Are DIY earwig traps safe for pets and kids?

Yes! Since these traps use non-toxic baits (beer, yeast, or fruit), they’re pet- and kid-friendly. However, supervise young children—they might be curious about the creepy-crawlies inside. For extra safety, use deep containers with tight lids to prevent escapes. Avoid chemical sprays near traps, and always dispose of earwigs humanely (flush or drown in soapy water).

Pro tip: Want to go the extra mile? Place a small amount of vegetable oil around the trap’s rim—it creates a barrier that keeps earwigs from escaping if they accidentally fall in!

Wrapping up and next steps

You’ve got everything you need to outsmart those pesky earwigs! With just a few household items—like a container, bait, and a little patience—you can create an effective trap that keeps your yard and home earwig-free.

Remember, consistency is key: check your traps regularly and adjust baits if needed to see the best results.

Now that you’re armed with this DIY solution, why not take it a step further? Try setting up traps in multiple spots around your home or share your success with neighbors dealing with the same issue. Happy trapping—and may your garden stay earwig-free! 🌿🐛