Earwigs in Mailbox | 8 Proven Ways to Keep Them Out

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Are you tired of finding creepy crawly critters in your mailbox? Earwigs in mailbox are a common sight, but they can be quite a nuisance.

The short answer to why you have earwigs in your mailbox is that they are seeking shelter and a moist environment. But fear not, we’ve got you covered!

In this article, we will explore the main subject of earwigs in mailbox and provide you with a step-by-step guide to getting rid of them. From natural remedies to sprays, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep those pesky pests out of your mailbox.

So, if you want to learn how to take back your mailbox and prevent future infestations, keep reading!

Read Our Full Article – Bugs in Mailbox: 10 EASY Ways to Keep Them Out

Why Are Earwigs in Your Mailbox?

If you’ve noticed earwigs in your mailbox, you might be wondering why these little critters are making themselves at home.

While it might seem like an odd place for them to congregate, there are actually a few reasons why earwigs might be attracted to your mailbox.

Firstly, earwigs are drawn to damp and dark environments, which makes mailboxes a prime location for them.

If your mailbox is located in an area that tends to be damp or receives a lot of shade, it can create the perfect environment for earwigs to thrive.

Additionally, if there are any small cracks or crevices in your mailbox, it can provide easy access for earwigs to enter and make themselves at home.

They may even use your mailbox as a place to shelter during the day and venture out at night to forage for food.

How Do Earwigs Get Into the Mailbox?

Earwigs are pretty crafty little creatures, and they’re known for their ability to squeeze into tight spaces.

Mailboxes, with their small openings and dark interiors, are the perfect place for these little critters to set up shop.

But how do they actually get in there? It turns out that earwigs are skilled climbers, and they’re able to scale the sides of mailboxes quite easily.

Once they reach the top, they can use their pincers to grip the edge and lower themselves down into the box.

Of course, not all earwigs are created equal when it comes to climbing skills. Some are better at it than others, and some mailboxes are more difficult to climb than others. But in general, if there’s a way for an earwig to gain access to your mailbox, they’ll likely find it.

So Earwigs are able to get into mailboxes by using their climbing abilities to scale the sides of the box and lower themselves inside.

Can Earwigs Cause Damage to Your Mailbox?

While earwigs themselves may not cause significant damage to your mailbox, their presence can be a sign of a larger problem.

Here’s a list of potential damage earwigs can cause to mailboxes.

Wooden mailboxes

Wooden mailboxes can be vulnerable to damage from earwigs. While earwigs are not known to chew through wood, they can burrow into the wood and create small tunnels. Over time, this can weaken the structure of the mailbox and potentially cause damage.

Additionally, if the wooden mailbox is exposed to moisture, it can become a breeding ground for earwigs and other pests.

Metal mailboxes

Metal mailboxes are generally more durable than wooden or plastic mailboxes and are less susceptible to damage from earwigs. However, if a metal mailbox has already been damaged or is starting to rust, earwigs may be attracted to it and make the damage worse.

If the mailbox is not properly sealed, earwigs may be able to enter through small openings and potentially cause damage.

Plastic mailboxes

Plastic mailboxes are more vulnerable to damage from earwigs because earwigs are known to chew through plastic. If the plastic mailbox has cracks or holes, earwigs can use these to gain access to the inside of the mailbox and potentially cause damage.

And plastic mailboxes can become brittle and weak over time, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This can make them more susceptible to damage from earwigs and other pests.

Moisture damage

Earwigs are often attracted to mailboxes that are damp or moist. Over time, this moisture can cause damage to the mailbox, particularly if it is made of wood or has metal components that can rust.

In addition to potential damage to the mailbox itself, earwigs can also cause damage to your mail. They are known to sometimes feed on books and paper products, so if you receive newspapers or other paper mail, earwigs may be attracted to it and potentially cause damage.

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How To Get Rid of Earwigs in Mailbox – Step By Step

If you’re dealing with an earwig infestation in your mailbox, there are steps you can take to get rid of these pests and prevent them from coming back.

So here we’ll cover both natural methods and earwig sprays that you can use to eliminate these unwanted visitors from your mailbox.

Things You Will Need

A spray bottle

Water
Dish soap
White vinegar

Diatomaceous earth
Borax powder
Lemon juice

Cedar oil
Gloves (optional)
Earwig spray for mailboxes

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Earwigs in Mailbox

earwigs in mailbox: How To Get Rid of Earwigs in Mailbox

Soap and Water

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Mix the solution until it becomes sudsy.

Dip a rag or sponge into the soapy water and wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping.

Wipe down the inside and outside of your mailbox with a damp rag or sponge. Pay particular attention to any areas where you have seen earwigs or evidence of earwig activity.

After you have wiped down the mailbox, rinse it thoroughly with a hose or bucket of clean water.

Repeat this process as needed until you no longer see any earwigs in or around your mailbox.

White Vinegar

white vinegar can be a great solution to get rid of earwigs in your mailbox. This common household item can be used to create a simple and affordable earwig spray that can help you eliminate earwigs.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Spray the solution generously inside and outside of your mailbox.

Let the solution sit for about 15-20 minutes.

Using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the inside and outside of the mailbox to remove any dead earwigs or debris.

Rinse the mailbox thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely before using it again.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural and effective way to get rid of earwigs in your mailbox. It is a powdery substance made from fossilized diatoms.

The sharp edges of diatomaceous earth particles can cut through the exoskeleton of earwigs, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Use the small scoop or spoon to sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth powder in the bottom of your mailbox and spread the powder evenly around the mailbox

Close the mailbox and leave the diatomaceous earth to work its magic for a few days.

After a few days, open the mailbox and use a soft-bristled brush to sweep out any dead earwigs or debris.

Borax

Borax is a white mineral powder that is commonly used in household cleaning and laundry products.

When used properly, borax can help eliminate earwigs and prevent them from returning to your mailbox.

Mix 1 tablespoon of borax powder with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle.

Shake the bottle well to mix the solution.

Spray the solution inside your mailbox and on the outside of the mailbox where earwigs may be hiding.

Repeat as needed until the earwigs are gone.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is a natural and effective solution for getting rid of earwigs in your mailbox. Not only does it kill the earwigs, but it also leaves a fresh scent behind.

Plus, it’s non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about harming the environment or any animals that may come into contact with your mailbox.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle and Spray the lemon juice directly onto the earwigs in your mailbox.

Leave the lemon juice on for a few minutes.

Wipe away the lemon juice and the dead earwigs with a cloth.

Cedar Oil

Cedar oil has a strong scent that is unpleasant to earwigs, and can also help to prevent future infestations.

Mix 1 ounce of cedar oil with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. (Shake well to ensure the cedar oil is evenly distributed.)

Spray the solution inside and outside of your mailbox.

Allow the solution to dry completely before placing any mail or newspapers in the mailbox.

Commercial Earwig Repellent for Mailboxes

If natural methods don’t work or you prefer a more aggressive approach, you can also use commercial earwig-repellent sprays that are specifically designed for mailboxes.

These sprays are typically safe for use around mail and won’t harm the contents of your mailbox.

Here are some popular earwig-repellent sprays that can be used to treat mailboxes, as well as other areas where earwigs may be present.

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter: This product is designed to kill a variety of household pests, including earwigs, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes: This product is formulated to kill a variety of outdoor pests.

Raid Ant & Roach Killer: While not specifically designed for earwigs, this product can be effective at killing earwigs.

If you have any concerns or questions, it's always best to consult with a professional pest control expert to ensure that you're using the product safely and effectively

How to Prevent Earwigs from Coming Back

If you’ve successfully gotten rid of earwigs in your mailbox, it’s best to prevent them from coming back.

Here are some tips to help you keep your mailbox earwig-free.

Use a Mailbox Cover

A mailbox cover can help protect your mailbox from moisture and other types of damage and deter earwigs from entering.

Keep Your Mailbox Clean and Dry

Earwigs are attracted to moist environments, so keeping your mailbox clean and dry is key to preventing them from returning.

Make sure to remove any debris or old mail that may be attracting earwigs.

Seal Any Cracks, Holes

Seal any gaps or openings around your mailbox with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent earwigs from entering.

Another way to prevent earwigs from returning to your mailbox is to consider going paperless. 

By opting for electronic billing and other forms of communication, you can reduce the amount of mail that you receive and minimize the chances of earwigs finding their way into your mailbox. 

Many companies now offer paperless options for bills and statements, so it's worth checking with your service providers to see if this is an option for you. 

Going paperless not only helps prevent earwigs, but it's also an environmentally-friendly choice that can reduce paper waste and clutter in your home.

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By following these tips, you can help prevent earwigs from returning to your mailbox. If you continue to have problems with earwigs, it may be helpful to consult with a pest control professional who can provide additional guidance and assistance.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with earwigs in your mailbox can be a frustrating experience. It’s not just the unpleasant sight of these creepy crawlies that can cause concern, but also the potential damage they can cause to your mailbox.

Natural remedies like diatomaceous earth and borax can be effective at killing earwigs, while commercial repellents can provide a more aggressive approach.

By taking a proactive approach and following the tips we’ve outlined, you can protect your mailbox and ensure that it remains in good condition.

Remember, if you continue to have problems with earwigs, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional.

With a little effort and persistence, you can ensure that your mailbox remains free from earwigs and other unwanted pests.

FAQs

Why is my mailbox full of earwigs?

Earwigs are attracted to dark, damp environments, and mailboxes provide an ideal location for them to thrive. Earwigs may also be attracted to the moisture and glue found in envelopes and stamps.

Can earwigs lay eggs in the mailbox?

While earwigs typically lay their eggs in the soil or other outdoor environments, it is possible for them to lay their eggs in a mailbox. However, this is not a common occurrence.

Can earwigs eat mail in my mailbox?

Earwigs are not known to eat mail, but they may crawl on your mail due to the moisture and glue found in envelopes and stamps. While earwigs can eat paper, they are not known to be a significant threat to paper materials.

Will insecticides harm my mail or packages?

Most commercial insecticides designed for use around mailboxes are safe for use around mail and won’t harm your packages or letters. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to avoid contact with the product.