Earwigs can produce a real damage to your garden because they feed on leaves and even flowers. But, at the same time, earwigs can help you get rid of certain pests like the leaf, lice, limes, or some types of larvae that you consume. In large numbers, earwigs can be transformed into pests. So, you need some knowledge about the habits of these insects to know how to get rid of earwigs.
1 What are the earwigs?
Earwigs are chestnut insects that have an elongated body, having two end-to-end pincers at the end of the abdomen. Insects use claws to catch prey for mating. Some species also have wings, but they rarely see flying.
The earwigs do not attack people and do not affect earwig tissue, as old stories say.
2 Why are they attracted to the garden
Earwigs adore wet, dark, undisturbed places and are often found under stones or in the foliage of the garden. On the other hand, gardens provide a significant amount of food – leaves, flowers, other insects.
As a rule, earwigs are considered beneficial because they can feed on other pests such as leaf aphids (aphids), one of the most common and devastating gardeners, snails without shells or various larvae.
Only when they are present in large numbers, the earwigs can affect the plants in the garden. In these cases, it is advisable to take measures to remove the insects.
3 Which plants they prefer
Earwigs are not “pretentious” in terms of plants. Most often, however, these insects attack horn, dahlia, roses, shrubs and carriages. At the same time, you can eat with berries, peaches or apricots.
4 How can I control the number of earwigs
If you notice that your garden has been invaded by the earwigs, look for the favorite places of these insects – wetter land, rotten wood, etc. Try to intervene in these places and reduce watering and do not forget to remove rotting wood from the garden so that the earwigs can move the nest.
Another way to get rid of earwigs is to install a trap. Put wet cartons or wet newspapers in the garden where you sprinkled tarragon or oatmeal. The nurses feed on the night and look for a place to shelter with the dawn, so there’s a good chance they’ll get caught in the traps in the morning.
Other traps can be canned tuna or cat food over which you poured oil. Earwigs will be attracted to the smell but will remain in the trap because of the oil.
You can also use special adhesive tapes to place in several places in the garden. Insects will stick to them.
If you do not get rid of the earwigs with these natural solutions, try using an insecticide. Apply it in the evening before the insects get out of the shelters to feed themselves.
Image Credits: Waltham Services
