How to Use Boric Acid Powder to Get Rid of Earwigs

Written By
Mandy Slake
Mandy Slake
Published: Mar 31, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Earwigs are insects with large pinchers on their abdomen. They can use them for defense by curling the pinchers over their back. Boric acid can be used to kill them both indoors and outdoors.

Things You Will Need

  • Small flat box
  • Hole punch or large nail
  • Oatmeal
  • Board
  1. Punch several holes in the sides of a small, flat box using a hole punch. You can punch the holes using a large nail if the box material is too thick for a hole punch. These are the holes the earwigs will enter through, so make them close to the bottom edge of the box.

  2. Add about a tablespoon of dry oatmeal to the bottom of the box.

  3. Sprinkle a light dusting of boric acid over the oatmeal.

  4. Put the lid on the box, and place the box on the ground near locations where earwigs have been spotted.

  5. Cover the box with a board to keep it from getting wet.

The Drip Cap

  • Earwigs got their name from the superstition that they crawl into a person's ear and eat their brain.
  • They can use them for defense by curling the pinchers over their back.
  • Add about a tablespoon of dry oatmeal to the bottom of the box.
Mandy Slake

Mandy Slake has been writing since 2000. She authors technical documentation for the wireless and software industry. Slake studied computer science at Highline Community College in Midway, Wash. She has over nine years of experience in the…

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