While it’s common to encounter various bugs in our homes at different times of the year, there are some creepy crawlies that most of us would prefer to avoid.
If you live in a rural area, you’re likely accustomed to flies, ants, spiders, and similar pests trying to make themselves at home during the summer months and beyond.
Some people are unfazed by the seasonal influx of bugs, while others are less tolerant. Personally, I can accept a few spiders weaving their webs in the corners and an occasional fly buzzing around the kitchen without letting it ruin my day.
You’ve likely encountered an earwig in your home at some point, even if you didn’t recognize it. The truth is, these little insects are far from cute, and although they might appear to have a nasty sting or bite, they are actually harmless.
That said, many people dislike the idea of a swarm of earwigs crawling around their space. I certainly do, which is why I found one particular hack for dealing with them to be incredibly helpful. Facebook user Alicia Alexander shared a tried-and-true method she used to tackle her earwig issue, and I think it could be useful for others as well.
According to Alicia, filling a shallow bowl with half a cup of olive oil and placing it in your backyard or on your deck is an effective way to trap earwigs.
The picture below reportedly shows the number of earwigs Alicia managed to collect in less than 24 hours:
Earwigs are drawn to the sweetness of olive oil, but once they climb into the bowl, they can’t escape. If you’re dealing with an earwig infestation, this might be the perfect solution!
What this means
While we don’t want to cause unnecessary alarm, an unusual number of earwigs in your home could signal issues with rotting wood. Earwigs are among the many insects that are attracted to wood decay, so it’s wise to inspect any wooden structures you have.
That said, it’s quite normal for earwigs to seek warmer conditions inside your home, and their presence is unlikely to have any negative effects on you.
