How To Get Rid Of Earwigs
In my opinion, earwigs are the creepiest looking insect that you can find in your garden. Their reputation for crawling into people’s ears are enough to send anyone screaming and running out of the garden.
Let’s talk about how to get rid of earwigs in the garden!
Identifying Earwigs!
The most distinctive feature of an earwig is its pair of pinchers that protrude from the back of its abdomen.
Earwigs are rather slender insects that grow up to an inch in length. They have flattened bodies that can vary in color from a tan to reddish-brown, to even black. They have six legs and thread-like antennae.
Are Earwigs Dangerous?
They are not harmful to humans since they only use their pinchers to catch prey and for mating.
Has an earwig ever been documented as being found inside of someone’s ear canal? The answer is no. Old urban legends and even the Oxford English Dictionary dates the notion that an earwig penetrates into the head through the ear to as early as the year 1000. In 1972 the myth became widespread in the United States by an episode of “The Night Gallery” by Rod Serling called “The Caterpillar”.
Where Do Earwigs Live?
Earwigs are nocturnal insects that prefer to live in damp and sheltered spaces. This may include mulched garden beds, the underside of potted plants, rocks, and logs.
They are also attracted to light and may gather near lighting sources on porches and patios during the summer months.
Plants That Earwigs Affect!
Plants that they feed on do typically include clover, lettuce, cauliflower, strawberry, blackberry, sunflowers, celery, peaches, plums, grapes, potatoes, roses, and beets. They have also been known to eat corn silk, harming the corn in the process. Earwigs are also most active from Summer – Fall.
Controlling Earwigs!
Here are some of the best non-chemical ways of controlling earwigs:
Apply diatomaceous earth to your garden beds. This is my favorite!!
Clearing the mulch from the area where you tend to see them gather
Placing a trap of damp and rolled-up newspapers at night. In the morning, you can pick up the trap and dispose of them.
Applying a barrier on the base of woody plants. You can use adhesive tape or petroleum jelly to trap them.
Clear your garden landscapes of unnecessary timber, logs, and firewood piles.
Create a dry zone free from mulch, dead leaves, and other organic material surrounding your plants.
Trim overhanging branches that may cause damp and shady areas.
Essential Oils To Get Rid Of Earwigs
In addition to the ways mentioned above there are some essential oils you can use to get rid of earwigs, too.
Try these:
peppermint
eucalyptus
citronella
lavender
cedar
cinnamon
clove
basil
Each one of them affect earwigs in a different way but the results are the same, they will get rid of earwigs.
All you need to do is choose the one you have, or prefer and use 2-3 drops in a gallon of water and then use that in a spray bottle to spray any plants they are destroying or in any areas you see them.
Just remember anytime you introduce anything new like this to your plants, make sure to test it first. Spray it on a small area and wait 24-48 hours to make sure it’s safe to use on your plant.
Climates and conditions are different everywhere – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Do you have other tips for how to get rid of earwigs? Leave your ideas in the comments below.
