Dealing with earwigs in and around the home can be an unwelcome challenge, especially when their presence becomes more noticeable. This year, many individuals have reported an increase in earwig sightings in their gardens, prompting a search for effective solutions. One ingenious yet straightforward method, shared by Facebook user Alicia Alexander, involves using a common household item: olive oil.
Alicia detailed her successful experience in tackling a burgeoning earwig population in her backyard. The remedy involves placing a shallow bowl filled with approximately half a cup of olive oil in outdoor spaces such as gardens or decks. Astonishingly, within less than 24 hours, the bowl had captured a significant number of earwigs, and the count continued to rise after 36 hours.
The mechanism behind this olive oil trap is both simple and effective. It appears that earwigs are attracted to the olive oil, enter the bowl, and subsequently find themselves unable to escape. The visual evidence from Alicia’s experiment underscores the efficacy of this unconventional yet powerful hack.
While the olive oil trap provides a quick and practical solution to address the immediate earwig issue, it’s essential to consider the underlying factors contributing to the influx of these insects. The rise in earwig populations may be indicative of potential problems related to rotting wood. Various pests, including earwigs, are drawn to decaying wood, making it advisable to inspect the structural integrity of your home and the condition of any wooden elements such as decks and porches.
In conclusion, if you find yourself contending with an increasing number of earwigs, this inventive olive oil hack might just be the solution you need. Not only does it offer a simple and efficient way to reduce the earwig population in your immediate surroundings, but it also serves as a reminder to address any underlying issues related to rotting wood. Thanks to Alicia for sharing this clever remedy to keep earwigs at bay and restore peace to your outdoor spaces.
image source: Bob Vila via istockphoto – Flickr/hedera.baltica – Facebook/Alicia Alexander
