How to Stop Earwigs From Eating Plants
Earwigs are nocturnal pests that may cause problems in a garden by chewing on plant foliage. Young bedding plants and other small plants may be killed by earwigs if the pests are not eliminated before extensive damage is done. Because earwigs only come out at night and hide during the day, you won’t notice bugs on your plants, but holes in leaves are a good sign you may have an earwig problem. Practicing good garden sanitation and using insecticides with residual effects are helpful for controlling earwig infestations.
Rake up debris from around the plants and seal it in garbage bags for disposal. Earwigs may use yard waste as hiding places. The tidier your garden area, the easier it is to control these pests. If the plants require mulch, you can leave it but must apply an insecticide to the mulch to kill earwigs that may be hiding.
- Earwigs are nocturnal pests that may cause problems in a garden by chewing on plant foliage.
- Young bedding plants and other small plants may be killed by earwigs if the pests are not eliminated before extensive damage is done.
Place cans full of tuna oil or other kinds of fish oil in areas around the plants. According to the University of California, earwigs are attracted to fish oil. They will fall into the can and become trapped in the oil. Dump the cans out when they become full of dead pests, then replenish the fish oil.
Apply insecticide to mulch, if applicable. Sprays, granules or dusts may be used. Follow label directions exactly to prevent harm to plants.
- Place cans full of tuna oil or other kinds of fish oil in areas around the plants.
- Dump the cans out when they become full of dead pests, then replenish the fish oil.
Treat plants with dust or spray insecticides that have residual effects. According to the University of Illinois Extension, insecticides containing permethrin, cyfluthrin or carbaryl are among the insecticides effective for earwigs. Treat the plants just before nightfall, when the pests start to emerge, for fastest results.
Rid Of Earwigs Eating Plants
Take a flashlight to the garden after dark when earwigs actively feed. Look for damaged seedlings that may be missing parts or all of stems and leaves. Pick off any earwigs that you see and drop them into a plastic bag. Repeat every two or three days. Poke several ¼-inch holes in the top of the lid of a small disposable plastic container. Pour about ½ inch of stale beer into it. Cut one panel off an empty milk carton to make a daytime hideaway for earwigs. Wash it well with soap and warm water. Set the trap near the garden but out of direct sun in the morning. The pests will snuggle into the wet newspaper to wait out the heat of the day. Empty them into a bucket of soapy water before nightfall.
- Treat plants with dust or spray insecticides that have residual effects.
- Cut one panel off an empty milk carton to make a daytime hideaway for earwigs.
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References
- University of California: Earwig Management
- University of Wisconsin Extension: Controlling Earwigs
- University of Illinois Extension: Earwigs
- University of California: Earwigs
- Almanac: Earwigs
- Mother Earth Living: Fight Bugs Naturally! A Guide to Natural Pest Control
- Weekend Gardener: Natural Earwig Control
- Orkin: Get Rid of Earwigs?
