How to Get Rid of Earwigs in Your Garden without Harmful Chemicals

What are Earwigs?

Earwigs, scientifically known as order Dermaptera, are a group of small insects with notable pincers on their abdomen. Males have curved pincers while female earwigs have straight pincers. They are characterized by elongated, flat bodies that vary from 5 to 25 millimeters in length. The most common earwig species is reddish-brown with a pair of conspicuous pinchers, or forceps, at the end of its body. These forceps are used for defense and courtship displays.

Earwigs are typically nocturnal and often prefer to hide in dark and damp places during the day. They are commonly found in garden beds, under stones or logs, and in crevices around buildings. Their habitat preferences largely depend on their need for moisture, since they are prone to drying out. However earwigs may be found in even the healthiest gardens, especially during rainy spells or in damp areas of the garden. They;re not picky eaters and will consume almost anything you grow.

These insects are known to live in large numbers, especially in warmer climates. Some of the most commonly found species include the European earwig (Forficula auricularia), the common earwig (Labidura riparia), and the ring-legged earwig (Euborellia annulipes). These species tend to live in groups, seeking shelter and protection in cracks and crevices.

The Life Cycle of an Earwig

Adult earwigs overwinter in the soil and emerge in the spring. Generally, an earwig's life cycle consists of three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult, with several stages of instar marking a nymph's transformation into an adult. In early spring, female earwigs lay up to 90 eggs in underground burrows near the surface of the soil or in crevices where they are protected from predators. The eggs are small and white in color, and typically take a week to hatch.

Once the eggs hatch, the young earwigs (aka nymphs) emerge between late May and early June. They resemble miniature versions of the adult earwigs. Nymphs go through several molts as they grow and develop, shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their increasing size.

After reaching maturity, adult earwigs are capable of reproducing and continuing the life cycle. They are typically active at night, feeding on a variety of plants, insects, and organic matter in the garden throughout the summer and fall.

SIGNS OF EARWIGS

There are a few signs that can indicate the presence of earwigs in your garden. Here are some common signs to look out for:

1. Damage to plants: Earwigs are known to feed on a variety of plants, including vegetables, flowers, and fruits. If you notice irregular holes or chew marks on the leaves or petals of your plants that makes them look ragged, it could be earwigs, slugs or snails. The main difference is that earwigs don't leave telltale slime marks behind. If you see holes in your seedling leaves or the tops of seedlings have been completely removed, there's a good chance that earwigs are to blame.

2. Excrement: Earwigs leave behind tiny black pellets of excrement near the damaged plants. If you notice these signs in your garden, it's important to take action to control the earwig population before they cause further harm.

3. Exoskeletons: Earwig nymphs have to shed their skin as they grow. You may find discarded exoskeletons around your garden if you look carefully.

How to Find Earwigs in Your Garden

If you suspect that earwigs are causing damage to your garden plants, one of the best ways to find them is by going out at night with a flashlight. Earwigs are nocturnal creatures and are most active during the nighttime hours. Look for pincher bugs under and on decaying plants, in fallen leaves, and under pots. These insects tend to hide in dark, moist places, so be sure to check these areas thoroughly. On the other hand, you can also find them during the day by searching under moist areas of your garden, including under plant pots, plant debris, or just under the surface of the soil. Disturbing the soil with a gardening fork or similar instrument may cause them to come rushing out from under the surface of the soil.

What Contributes to an earwig infestation?

There are several factors that can contribute to an earwig infestation in your garden. Some common causes include:

1. Moisture: Earwigs are attracted to moist and humid environments, making gardens with excessive moisture levels a prime breeding ground for these insects. Overwatering plants or leaving standing water in the garden can create the perfect conditions for earwigs to thrive.

2. Organic matter: Earwigs are also attracted to areas with an abundance of organic matter, such as compost piles, mulch, and fallen leaves. These materials provide shelter and food sources for earwigs, making them more likely to infest your garden.

3. Lack of predators: If your garden lacks natural predators of earwigs, such as birds, frogs, or beneficial insects, the earwig population may quickly get out of control. By creating a more diverse and balanced ecosystem in your garden, you can help naturally keep the earwig population in check.

How To Prevent An Earwig Infestation In The Garden

One important practice to prevent an earwig infestation in your garden is to be mindful of your watering practices. Overwatering creates a damp emvironment that attracts earwigs. Watering your plants in the morning and allowing the soil to dry out by nightfall will help prevent earwigs from overrunning yoru garden.

Keeping your garden space clean and tidy is also key to preventing an earwig infestation. Remove any dead or decaying plants or plant matter regularly, since these make attractive hiding spots for earwigs. Avoid piling mulch too high, since this can create dark and moist areas for earwigs to thrive.

Getting Rid of Earwigs

Despite your best efforts, you may still find earwigs to be a nuisance in your garden. While it's possible to use chemical means to kill them, using harsh chemicals causes damage to other wildlife, your garden soil and the surrounding ecosystem that should be avoided. Here are some methods you can use to get rid of earwigs in the garden with little to no damage to the environment.

Use IPM Strategies

IPM, or integrated pest management, is a holistic approach to pest control that focuses on prevention and using least-toxic methods to manage pests. It relies in part on knowledge of pests -- their habits and life cycles -- and their interaction with the surrounding environmant. Along with pest control methods, this knowledge enables you to tackle your pest problems with the least possible harm to human, animal, beneficial insect, and environmental health.

Natural predators

Attracting predators that naturally prey on earwigs is an effective way to prevent earwigs from becoming a problem in your garden. This is not an all-inclusive method, however, but one that is best used in conjunction with other methods.

Birds, including robins, bluebirds, and chickadees all are natural predators of earwigs and will help control their numbers. By providing bird feeders or baths near earwig trouble spots in your yard, you can attract these beneficial birds to your lawn. When the birds discover the new food source in your yard, they will start frequenting the area and eating the earwigs that are present.

Another natural predator that can help control earwig populations in your garden is the tachinid fly. There are over 1300 species of tachnid fly in North America alone. Species such as Tachina Grossa can be found throughout Western and Eastern Europe, Asia and Mongolia, while over 100 species of Diptera order tachinid flies can be found in many parts of Africa,

These parasitic flies lay their eggs on earwigs, and when the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the earwig from the inside out, eventually killing it.

To attract tachinid flies to your garden, plant a diverse range of flowering plants to provide them with nectar and pollen. Carrot, dill, and other flowering herbs as well as asters and rudebeckias are all attractive to tachinid flies.

Traps

Another effective method for controlling earwigs in the garden is to set up traps. You can make simple traps using containers filled with oil + soy sauce or soapy water. Place these traps near areas where you have noticed high populations of earwigs. The earwigs will be attracted to the oil or soapy water and will drown in the liquid.

Another effective method is to fill a bucket with soapy water and shine a light on it near areas where you suspect the earwigs may be hiding. The light will attract the earwigs, causing them to crawl towards it, and ultimately fall into the soapy water where they will drown.

Alternatively, you can create traps using damp, rolled up newspaper, cardboard tubes (such as toilet paper rolls) or cardboard boxes. Place these traps near plants that are being affected by earwigs. Stick one end of the tube into the soil in your garden or other areas where earwigs are present. Fill the tube halfway with straw or pieces of newspaper, creating a cozy hiding spot for the earwigs. For boxes, use oatmeal or bran to attract the bugs to your traps. Once you've captured them, you can dispose of them by drowning them in soapy water.

Environmental Controls

In addition to attracting natural predators and setting up traps, there are several environmental controls you can implement in your garden to help reduce earwig populations.

Reduce moisture

Since earwigs are attracted to damp, moist environments, reducing excess moisture in your garden can help deter them. Make sure to fix any leaky faucets, hoses, or irrigation systems to prevent water from pooling in your yard. Avoid overwatering your plants and consider using drip irrigation instead of overhead watering to keep the soil from becoming too wet.

You can also improve drainage in your garden by adding organic matter such as compost to the soil, which can help absorb excess moisture. Avoid mulching too heavily around plants, as this can create a damp environment that earwigs are attracted to.

Remove debris

By removing debris such as piles of leaves and wood , and rocks from your garden, you can eliminate potential hiding spots for earwigs. Keeping your garden clean and free of clutter will make it less hospitable to earwigs.

Vacuum up earwigs

Vacuuming up earwigs can be an effective way to quickly remove them from your garden. Using a handheld vacuum or a regular vacuum with a hose attachment, simply suck up the earwigs you see crawling around plants or hiding in crevices. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately after use to prevent the earwigs from escaping back into your garden.

This method is best used for smaller infestations or for targeting specific areas where earwigs are causing damage.

Ant Bait (Perimeter)

Another effective method for controlling earwigs in your garden is to use ant bait around the perimeter of your garden. Earwigs are attracted to the same sweet baits that ants are, so placing ant bait near the edges of your garden can help reduce earwig populations.

You can purchase ant bait stations or make your own using a small container filled with a mixture of sugar, water, and borax. Place these bait stations around the perimeter of your garden, focusing on areas where earwigs are most active. The earwigs will be attracted to the sweet bait and will consume the borax, which is toxic to them.

It's important to note that while ant bait can be effective in controlling earwig populations, it should be used with caution, as borax can be harmful to other insects, pets, and wildlife. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and place the bait in areas where children and pets cannot access it.

The Cotton ball method

Another effective way to get rid of earwigs in your garden is the cotton ball soak method. This method involves soaking cotton balls in a solution that will repel the earwigs, then strategically placing them around your garden.

To create the solution, you can mix equal parts water and white vinegar or water and dish soap. Both of these solutions can be effective in repelling earwigs. Soak the cotton balls in the solution and place them near plants that are being affected by earwigs, focusing on areas where you have noticed the most activity.

The strong scent of vinegar or the slippery texture of dish soap may deter earwigs from approaching your plants. Reapply the solution to the cotton balls every few days or after rainfall to ensure the effectiveness of this method.

Use organic pesticides

While these pesticides are natural and not syntheticm it's important to remember that all pesticides, organic or not, can cause harm to beneficial insects. Use these methods sparingly or when other methods have failed to solve your earwig problem.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic substance that can be effective in controlling earwigs in your garden. This powdery substance is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms and works by dehydrating insects that come into contact with it.

To use diatomaceous earth in your garden, simply sprinkle a thin layer around the base of plants or in areas where you have noticed earwig activity. Be sure to reapply after rain or watering, as it can lose effectiveness when wet.

Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets, but it can be harmful to beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. Use this method with caution and avoid applying it directly to flowers or other areas where beneficial insects may come into contact with it.

Use boric acid

Boric acid is a natural insecticide that can be effective in controlling earwigs in your garden. It works by disrupting the digestive system of insects, ultimately leading to their demise.

To use boric acid in your garden, mix it with a sweet bait such as sugar or honey to attract the earwigs. Then, place small amounts of the bait near areas where earwigs are active, such as under pots. Reapply the bait every few days to ensure its effectiveness.

Remember to keep boric acid out of reach of children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested.

Make a homemade pesticide spray

Make a homemade earwig-killer spray my mixing 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of neem oil, and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Soapy water alone can also bean effective method for killing earwigs in your garden. The soap breaks down the waxy protective coating on the earwig's exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and ultimately die. To create a soapy water solution, just mix a few tablespoons of liquid dish soap with water in a spray bottle.

Spray the solution directly onto the earwigs or areas where you have noticed their activity. Reapply as needed, especially after rain or watering.

Other methods permitted in organic agriculture

Use a lethal alcohol spray

Another method that is permitted in organic agriculture is using alcohol to kill earwigs. You can create an alcohol spray by mixing rubbing alcohol with water in a spray bottle (I have also used 90% straight isopropyl alcohol). The solution kills earwigs on contact. As with diatomaceous earth, however, it is potentially harmful to other insects that you DO want in your garden, so be sure to target your prey carefully.

Final Thoughts

If you find that earwigs are causing more harm than good in your garden, there are ways to remove them without resorting to harmful chemicals. Ultimately, whether you choose to remove earwigs from your garden or let them be a part of your garden ecosystem, it is important to remember that they play a valuable role in maintaining a healthy balance within nature.

How do you control earwigs in your own garden? Please share your methods in the comments section below to help others dealing with the same issue.

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