Things You'll Need
Lawn mower
Weed trimmer
Hand vacuum
Boric-acid powder
Caulk
Garbage bag
Garden gloves
Mail carriers deliver important packages and letters no matter how inclement the weather. Many Americans do whatever they can to ensure that postal workers have the ability to perform their duties safely, which includes keeping the mailbox free of unwanted pests. Earwigs spend the majority of their time munching on plant life, but may find the warmth and shelter of your mailbox comforting. Do your mail carrier a favor and keep him from having to confront these strange-looking insects the next time he visits your home.
Step 1
Trim the grass around the mailbox. Mow any taller grass or take a weed trimmer to the mailbox post to shorten grass and weeds. Keeping the grass and weeds short will remove the earwigs' entrance point to the mailbox.
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Step 2
Clean the inside and outside of the mailbox with a hand vacuum. This will remove earwigs and other small insects, such as ants. Empty the contents of the vacuum into an outdoor trash can.
Step 3
Sprinkle boric-acid powder over the outside of the mailbox. The powder will kill the earwigs but is safe for you and your mail carrier.
Step 4
Seal any cracks or crevices on the outside of the mailbox with caulk. This will prevent the earwigs' entrance into the mailbox.
Step 5
Pick up any earwigs found on the inside or outside of the mailbox with your hands. Wait until the sun goes down, as this is the time when earwigs are most active. Throw the unwanted insects into a garbage bag. Wear garden gloves to protect your hands from the earwigs' bite, which is not dangerous, although mildly unpleasant.
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