do coffee grounds repel earwigs

by

Do Coffee Grounds Repel Earwigs? (Or Is That Just a Tall Tale?)

If you’re the kind of person who loves both gardening and coffee (relatable), you’ve probably heard the rumor: “Coffee grounds repel pests!” But when it comes to earwigs, is this a miracle solution or just another myth brewed up with your morning latte?

☕ The Short Answer:

No, coffee grounds do NOT reliably repel earwigs.
Sure, they might make your garden smell like a hipster café, but as far as earwigs are concerned? It’s just dirt with a nice aroma.

🧐 Why People Think Coffee Grounds Repel Earwigs

The myth comes from the fact that coffee grounds contain caffeine and acids that can be toxic to some insects. They’ve been rumored to repel pests like ants, slugs, and snails. But here’s the catch:

  • Earwigs aren’t phased by caffeine. They don’t sip lattes, and they don’t care about your French roast.
  • They love moist, organic matter, and coffee grounds are, you guessed it—moist and organic.

In fact, if your coffee grounds are damp, you might accidentally be creating a cozy earwig bed-and-breakfast.

🚫 What Coffee Grounds Actually Do (Spoiler: Not Much for Earwigs)

While coffee grounds won’t send earwigs packing, they do have some garden benefits:

  • Great as compost material (rich in nitrogen)
  • Mildly deters some pests like slugs—but not earwigs
  • Improves soil texture when mixed properly

So, while they’re not an earwig repellent, they’re not entirely useless. Just don’t sprinkle them around thinking you’ve created an insect force field.

✅ What Actually Repels Earwigs?

If you’re serious about kicking earwigs to the curb, skip the coffee grounds and try these proven methods:

  • Diatomaceous Earth: Nature’s bug kryptonite.
  • Traps: Rolled-up damp newspaper works like a charm.
  • Essential Oils: Strong scents like peppermint or eucalyptus can help repel them.
  • Remove Moisture: Fix leaks, reduce mulch buildup, and keep things dry.

(Hint: Earwigs love damp environments more than they love your dahlias.)

🚀 The Bottom Line

  • Coffee grounds = great for compost.
  • Coffee grounds = not so great for repelling earwigs.
    If earwigs are making themselves at home in your garden, it’s time to bring in the big guns—not your leftover espresso shots.

🌱 Still Battling Earwigs?

Click here to discover foolproof ways to get rid of earwigs for good.