Earwigs, notorious for their nocturnal activity and distinctive appearance, are unwanted pests in many households and gardens. If you’re looking for effective ways to deter these creatures, understanding the smells earwigs despise can be a game-changer.

Earwigs are attracted to dark, damp environments, often nesting under rocks, logs, and leaves. However, the right smells can disrupt Earwig’s habitat and drive them away. Whether you’re dealing with a garden Earwigs infestation or seeking indoor solutions, these natural deterrents can provide relief from these pesky bugs.

This article not only discusses the best smells for repelling earwigs but also outlines their effectiveness and ease of use. From essential oils to herbs, we’ve compiled a list of natural, eco-friendly options to help you protect your space from earwigs.

Related: Best Insecticide For Earwigs

What Smell Do Earwigs Hate The Most? 10 Best

1. Citrus Peel

Earwigs dislike the strong, sharp scent of citrus. Whether it’s lemon, orange, or grapefruit, the fresh scent of citrus can serve as an effective deterrent. Citrus peel can be placed in areas where earwigs are common to repel them naturally.

The acid in citrus oils is unpleasant to earwigs, causing them to flee the area. You can use citrus peels around plants or in dark corners of your home to ward off these insects. Additionally, citrus peels decompose quickly, leaving no mess behind.

For maximum effectiveness, combine citrus peel with other natural repellents to create a powerful barrier. These peels work particularly well in confined spaces like basements and garages.

Pros:

• Natural repellent
• Safe for pets
• Easy to use
• Readily available
• Pleasant scent
• Eco-friendly
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Needs frequent replacement
• Attracts other pests
• Limited area coverage

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2. Lavender

Lavender has long been celebrated for its calming properties, but it also acts as a deterrent to earwigs. The strong floral scent is particularly offensive to earwigs and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Essential lavender oil, or dried lavender flowers, can effectively keep earwigs away from your living spaces.

You can place sachets of dried lavender in your drawers, closets, and corners where earwigs are likely to roam. For more targeted use, dilute lavender essential oil in water and spray it directly onto areas where earwigs are present. Lavender oil can also be diffused for long-lasting protection in your home.

Lavender is safe to use around pets and children, making it a family-friendly choice for repelling earwigs. Its long-lasting fragrance means you don’t have to constantly replace it.

Pros:

• Safe for pets
• Calming aroma
• Long-lasting
• Easy to apply
• Multi-use
• Non-toxic
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Requires frequent reapplication
• Can be expensive
• Less effective in high infestations

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3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another powerful scent that earwigs hate. Known for its antiseptic properties, tea tree oil also doubles as a natural insect repellent. When mixed with water, it can be sprayed around the home or garden to deter earwigs from settling in.

A few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle filled with water can be used to target cracks and crevices where earwigs often hide. The strong, medicinal smell of tea tree oil repels earwigs without harming the environment. Tea tree oil is also effective against other insects, such as spiders and ants.

Though potent, tea tree oil should be used with caution, as it can be irritating to the skin. Always dilute the oil before use to avoid any adverse reactions.

Pros:

• Multi-insect repellent
• Strong aroma
• Long-lasting
• Safe for plants
• Non-toxic
• Easy application
• Natural solution

Cons:

• Skin irritation
• Needs dilution
• Expensive

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4. Cucumber

Cucumber is a known earwig deterrent, with its fresh, clean scent making it unpleasant for these pests. You can place fresh cucumber slices or peels around areas where earwigs frequent. The scent and the acidity of the cucumber will keep earwigs from approaching.

This natural method is particularly useful in gardens, where earwigs often damage plants. Cucumber also acts as a deterrent to other pests, such as ants and beetles. Simply replace the cucumber peels every few days for continuous protection.

Cucumber is safe to use around pets and is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The effectiveness of cucumber increases when used in combination with other natural repellents.

Pros:

• Pet-safe
• Biodegradable
• Natural deterrent
• Readily available
• Non-toxic
• Easy to apply
• Cost-effective

Cons:

• Needs frequent replacement
• Can attract rodents
• May decompose quickly

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5. Garlic

The pungent scent of garlic is highly unpleasant to earwigs. Garlic can be used in several forms, such as crushed garlic cloves or garlic spray, to keep these pests away. Garlic’s odor is strong enough to drive earwigs out of your garden or home without the need for harsh chemicals.

To make a garlic spray, crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with water. Let the mixture sit overnight, then strain it and spray it around areas where earwigs are a problem. Garlic not only repels earwigs but also has the added benefit of deterring other garden pests.

Garlic is a non-toxic, eco-friendly option, but its strong scent may be bothersome to some people. You may need to reapply the spray every few days for maximum effectiveness.

Pros:

• Natural solution
• Multi-pest control
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Non-toxic
• Safe for plants
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Strong smell
• Frequent reapplication
• May attract other pests

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6. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is known for its fresh, invigorating aroma, which earwigs dislike. The oil of the eucalyptus tree can be used as a natural insect repellent by mixing it with water and spraying it in areas where earwigs are present. The smell is strong enough to create a barrier, keeping earwigs away.

Eucalyptus essential oil works effectively both indoors and outdoors. It also has the added benefit of being an insect repellent for various other pests, including mosquitoes and flies. Eucalyptus oil is also easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

While eucalyptus oil is safe to use, it should be diluted properly before applying it to avoid irritation. It may also require frequent reapplication to maintain its effectiveness.

Pros:

• Multi-use
• Effective repellent
• Safe for pets
• Long-lasting scent
• Non-toxic
• Easy application
• Affordable

Cons:

• Needs dilution
• Frequent reapplication
• Can be expensive

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7. Mint

Mint, with its sharp, invigorating aroma, is another scent earwigs dislike. You can use mint leaves or mint oil to create a barrier against earwigs. Simply place fresh mint around your home or garden, or use mint essential oil in a spray form to ward off these pests.

Mint is also useful in repelling other common household pests, such as mice and ants. It’s a natural and safe solution that won’t harm plants or pets when used correctly. The fresh scent of mint makes it an enjoyable and effective method of keeping earwigs at bay.

Mint is widely available and can be used in various forms, including dried mint leaves, mint oil, or mint plants. For larger infestations, mint oil in a spray bottle can offer a more concentrated solution.

Pros:

• Natural and safe
• Multi-pest control
• Pleasant aroma
• Easy to apply
• Pet-friendly
• Readily available
• Affordable

Cons:

• Needs frequent reapplication
• May attract other pests
• Strong scent

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8. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a strong, spicy fragrance that earwigs despise. The essential oils in cinnamon are potent and act as a repellent, disrupting the environment that earwigs find attractive. By sprinkling ground cinnamon or using cinnamon essential oil, you can deter earwigs from infesting your space.

Cinnamon works well in both indoor and outdoor environments. You can place cinnamon sticks or sprinkle cinnamon powder around areas where earwigs frequent, such as under furniture, around plants, or near cracks and crevices. It’s an affordable and natural option that won’t harm pets or plants.

While cinnamon has a strong odor, it’s not overpowering in the way that garlic or eucalyptus can be, making it a more pleasant option. However, cinnamon can lose its effectiveness after a few days, so reapplication is necessary for continuous protection.

Pros:

• Strong repellent
• Pleasant smell
• Non-toxic
• Safe for pets
• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Multi-use

Cons:

• Needs reapplication
• Can be messy
• Limited effectiveness over time

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9. Clove

The scent of clove is another powerful deterrent that earwigs can’t stand. The rich, spicy aroma of cloves has been used for centuries in pest control due to its potent insect-repelling properties. You can use whole cloves or clove essential oil to create an environment that earwigs avoid.

To use cloves effectively, place them in areas where earwigs tend to hide, like dark corners, garden beds, or near entry points to your home. Alternatively, you can mix clove essential oil with water and spray it directly on affected areas. The scent of clove also helps repel other pests, including mosquitoes and ants.

Clove is a natural, safe, and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. The strong scent may be off-putting to some, but it is highly effective in keeping earwigs away without harm to the environment or your home.

Pros:

• Natural insect repellent
• Safe for pets
• Multi-use
• Strong aroma
• Long-lasting
• Easy application
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Strong odor
• Needs frequent reapplication
• Can attract other insects

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10. Rosemary

Rosemary’s fresh, woody fragrance is another scent that earwigs strongly dislike. Rosemary is often used in cooking, but its strong, pungent aroma also works as a natural insect repellent. You can use fresh rosemary or rosemary essential oil to keep earwigs at bay.

To use rosemary effectively, plant it around the perimeter of your garden, or place fresh sprigs in areas where earwigs are likely to roam. Rosemary essential oil mixed with water can be sprayed around problem areas to create a protective barrier. This herb not only repels earwigs but also deters other pests such as mosquitoes and flies.

Rosemary is safe to use in both indoor and outdoor spaces and provides long-lasting protection with minimal effort. It’s also a beneficial plant to grow in your garden, as it attracts pollinators and adds a delightful fragrance.

Pros:

• Natural solution
• Safe for pets
• Multi-purpose
• Long-lasting
• Easy to use
• Non-toxic
• Pleasant aroma

Cons:

• Needs reapplication
• May attract bees
• Limited area coverage

What Smell Do Earwigs Hate The Most FAQs

1. Why do earwigs hate certain smells?

Earwigs have a highly sensitive sense of smell, which helps them detect their environment and potential threats. Certain strong smells, such as those from essential oils, spices, and citrus, disrupt their sensory systems and make the area uninhabitable for them. These unpleasant odors act as natural repellents, preventing earwigs from nesting or staying in those areas.

2. Can I use essential oils to repel earwigs?

Yes, essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and lavender are effective in repelling earwigs. These oils have strong scents that earwigs find intolerable. To use, dilute essential oil with water and spray it around entry points or areas where earwigs frequent. Ensure to reapply every few days for continued protection.

3. Are there any plant-based smells earwigs dislike?

Yes, earwigs dislike the scent of plants like rosemary, lavender, and eucalyptus. These plants can be grown around your home or garden to naturally deter earwigs. You can also use essential oils derived from these plants for a stronger repellent effect.

4. How effective is garlic as a repellent for earwigs?

Garlic is highly effective as a natural repellent for earwigs due to its strong, pungent odor. Earwigs find this smell overwhelming, which discourages them from entering treated areas. You can crush garlic cloves and mix them with water to make a spray or scatter garlic powder around areas where earwigs are a problem.

5. Do earwigs hate citrus smells?

Yes, citrus smells are among the strongest odors that earwigs find unpleasant. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits contain oils that earwigs avoid. You can place citrus peels in areas where earwigs are present, or use citrus-based sprays to create a barrier that repels them.

6. Can vinegar help repel earwigs?

Vinegar, particularly white vinegar, has a strong acidic smell that earwigs dislike. It works as a natural repellent and can be used in a spray solution to target earwig-infested areas. Vinegar also acts as a disinfectant, so it can help keep areas clean while repelling earwigs.

7. How often do I need to apply these smells to keep earwigs away?

The frequency of application depends on the specific scent and the conditions of your environment. Essential oils and garlic solutions may need to be reapplied every few days or after rain, as their effectiveness wears off over time. For long-lasting results, it’s best to regularly check the treated areas and refresh the scent as needed to maintain protection against earwigs

Conclusion

Earwigs can be a nuisance, especially in garden beds and home environments. However, with the right knowledge of scents they hate, you can naturally repel them without resorting to harmful chemicals. Citrus, lavender, tea tree oil, and other natural repellents can offer effective and eco-friendly solutions to earwig problems.

By selecting the right smell for your specific needs, you can enjoy a pest-free environment with minimal effort. So, take control of your space by incorporating these natural deterrents into your pest management routine and say goodbye to earwigs for good.

Call to Action: Ready to fight back against earwigs? Choose one of the natural scents mentioned in this article and start creating a pest-free environment today. Whether you’re dealing with a garden infestation or indoor pests, these simple, effective solutions will keep earwigs at bay.