Eliminator Updated to Version 1.1 - July 6th, 2026

• Please note I have updated the trap version to V1.1. Occasionally I will be providing updates and improvements to the Earwig Eliminator and these will be uploaded in the form of versions (V1.1, V1.2 etc). These will include mostly minor feature additions and geometry changes to ensure maximum success rate based on my testing and public feedback. 

   

• Changes for V1.1: Addition of grip indents for making lid opening easier, Geometry changes to add additional entrance paths, Geometry changes to lower the bait station and slightly raise entrance holes, Addition of “Water Reservoir” to provide the option of increasing humidity inside the trap.

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The Earwig Eliminator is a reusable, poison free, bait-style trap designed to help control earwigs around patios, gardens, planters, sheds, foundations, and outdoor living areas. The trap uses 13 entrance tunnels and a bait station to lure earwigs inside, where they fall into the surrounding moat. This trap is a surface level take on the traditional oil/soya sauce trap with out the mess of an open tray or container.  

The secure screw-on lid helps protect the contents from rain, spills, pets, and accidental tampering while still allowing earwigs to enter through the outer tunnels. Its low-profile round design makes it easy to place discreetly in problem areas.

Tips for Success:

Experimenting with baits is key to using this trap effectively. I recommend Vegetable oil in the moat with Soya Sauce in the secondary bait cup as a starting point. The vegetable oil both acts as a bait and also ensures nothing can get out of the moat. Also being virtually clear, its easy to see if you’ve got any visitors. Oil from a can of Sardines is also extremely effective in my experience.

  I am currently testing the moat dry for effectiveness, but I don’t currently recommend using it this way. Baits can be interchange or experimented with as you see fit, these traps require some experiementation but once you find what works they are highly effective!

** After testing, I have had excellent luck with a dry moat and Sardine oil in the center bait station. If using this method, be sure to open the trap over a bucket or Rubbermaid container with water and few drops of dish soap. You will want to immediately dump your catch in to the bucket. 

Without oil in the moat the earwigs will be alive, this trap is not escape proof without the oil in the moat so be prepared when opening! I also advise using gloves (latex or gardening).  The GIF in the picture roll is a dry moat with sardine oil in the cup. 

With or without oil, these traps can still attract ants depending on your bait. If this happens, I suggest adding ant-specific bait traps near your earwig eliminator. While you will catch hundreds in the moat once they try to get to the bait in the cup, the ant baits kill the colony at the source which is needed to completely resolve the ant problem. Ant-Bait refills can also be easily found and placed in your bait cup, the first ants will drown in the moat and the survives will carry the poison bait back to the colony. 

If catch is slow, moving the traps around occasionally can be helpful. Be sure to try all sorts of areas if needed. The traps can be washed with soap and water, although earwigs are attracted to scents and pheromones from other earwig’s waste, the dirtier it gets the better it attracts more earwigs (does not factor as much if using oil filled moat). 

V1.1 Incorporates a “Water Reservoir” around the top rim. Earwigs like damp, high humidity places. If you feel your trap is going to be in a dry place, consider experimenting with a bit of water in this Reservoir before screwing on the lid. This will evaporate making the trap more attractive to earwigs.

* PLA will warp in direct sunlight. It will also heat up and be very unattractive to earwigs if you leave it in a full sun location. Earwigs like cool, damp and dark spaces. Try to find areas which are not exposed to direct sunlight such as garden beds, under patio furniture, near deck walls etc. If some heat-sunlight is anticipated, consider printing in ASA or ASA-CF. 

 This trap has significantly helped control our earwig population which for the last few years has been out of control. Would love to see what people are using as effective baits. Always welcome feedback and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Simple, reusable, and made to target earwigs where they hide.