Earwig control,
inside and out.
Dark, fast-moving, with the distinctive rear pincers — earwigs shelter in cracks and mulch by day and become active at night, feeding on soft plant growth in the garden and occasionally wandering inside through gaps and door thresholds. TCB treats the perimeter and garden beds where earwigs actually live, not just the handful you see indoors.
The signs that point to an earwig problem.
Rear pincers (cerci)
The pair of forceps-like pincers at the tail end is the easiest identifier — used for defence and prey capture, not for biting people.
Nocturnal activity
Most active after dark. During the day they hide in cracks, under mulch, pot plants, garden edging and timber stacked against the house.
Garden damage
Feeding damage on soft seedlings, flowers and leafy vegetables — ragged holes in leaves, particularly on young growth.
Late-spring peaks
Numbers build through late spring and after rainfall, when damp harbourage is most available.
Same team.
Written report.
One quote, one visit, one written report. No call centre, no subcontractors — just the same local team that answers the phone.
Three steps from inspection to a quieter garden.
Earwig treatment focuses on the perimeter and garden beds where the population actually lives — spraying only what's visible indoors doesn't touch the source.
Inspection
We identify where earwigs are sheltering — mulch beds, garden edging, timber stacks, the subfloor and entry points around doors and windows.
Perimeter & garden treatment
Residual treatment around the foundation line and garden beds, plus crack-and-crevice application at entry points.
Moisture reduction advice
Practical guidance on reducing damp harbourage close to the house — the biggest lever for keeping numbers down.
Follow-up
If activity returns inside the guarantee window, we re-treat as part of that guarantee.
Earwigs look alarming — the pincers aren't dangerous to people.
Bites are rare and not medically significant
The pincers are mainly for defence against other insects. A pinch from a large earwig may happen if handled, but it isn't dangerous.
A garden pest first
Most earwig activity and damage happens outdoors on seedlings and soft growth — indoor sightings are usually incidental wandering.
Moisture-driven
Like slaters, earwig numbers track garden moisture and mulch depth closely — treat the source, not just the symptom.
Seasonal, not constant
Activity peaks in late spring and after rain, then drops off through the drier months.
What keeps earwigs out of the house.
Seal door and window gaps
Earwigs enter through thresholds and gaps — weatherstripping and door sweeps close off the easiest routes.
Keep mulch away from the foundation
A gap between garden mulch and the house wall removes the closest harbourage to entry points.
Reduce outdoor lighting near doors
Earwigs are drawn to light at night — moving or shielding entry-adjacent lighting reduces the numbers reaching the door.
The questions Canberra households ask first.
Do earwigs bite?
Rarely, and it isn't medically significant if they do. The rear pincers are mostly used for defence against other insects, not against people.
Why are they damaging my garden?
Earwigs feed on soft plant growth at night — seedlings, flowers and leafy vegetables are the most common targets. Garden-bed treatment addresses this directly.
Why do I keep finding them near the back door?
Outdoor lighting and door-threshold gaps both attract and admit earwigs. Sealing gaps and adjusting nearby lighting makes a real difference.
Is it safe to treat around vegetable gardens?
Yes — we use family-safe, low-toxicity product and can advise on safe re-entry and harvest timing around edible plantings.
How much does earwig treatment cost in Canberra?
Usually bundled into a general pest visit and priced individually based on the property. We send a written quote before any work starts.
Treat the garden.
Not just the doorway.
Earwigs live in the garden bed, not just the spot you saw one indoors. TCB treats the perimeter and garden beds where the population actually shelters.
Book earwig control
today.
Tell us about the garden and where you're seeing activity. We'll get back within one business day with a written quote and the next available visit.