These are best sprinkled near or under shelters used by earwigs. Homemade baits also may be effective. Generally these contain oatmeal or bran, moistened slightly with oil or molasses and mixed with a small amount of carbaryl. Applications of insecticides made late in the day may be most effective because earwigs feed at night. There is some evidence that earwigs can be drawn to traps, then collected and disposed of.
Corrugated cardboard provides resting areas that earwigs find attractive.
Combined with wheat bran, these traps may attract large numbers of earwigs. Indoor Control Use indoor controls only in addition to exterior treatment. Otherwise, results will be unsatisfactory. Exterior treatment includes sealing all cracks in the foundation and around windows and other openings to reduce earwig movement into homes. Apply them only to areas in the home used for earwig shelter and not as general household sprays.