Earwig Trap

Earwigs. Gross. You might be surprised to learn that they are both beneficials and pests. They’re omnivores. They can damage crops, but they’re also aphid predators.

If you can tolerate them, and they don’t seem to be doing any damage to your crops, you might consider leaving them alone.

Flowers commonly eaten by earwigs:

• dahlias

• zinnias

• roses

• marigolds

• butterfly bush

• hollyhock

• hostas

Earwigs are attracted to tight, dark, damp spaces. Remove excess plant debris and any extra piles of farming supplies to dissuade them from setting up camp near your most vulnerable crops.

Make some simple homemade earwig traps to attract and capture populations when they’re bringing more harm than good to your gardens.

Homemade, chemical free trap:

1. Tuna or wet cat food can (leave a little (a tablespoon or so if fine) food inside for extra stink if you like!)

2. Vegetable oil (fill about 1/2 to 3/4 full)

3. Fish sauce or soy sauce (add a couple table spoons)

It’s the smell of these traps that attracts the earwigs when they’re active at night. Plant your traps so that the top of the can is level with the soil surface. Earwigs fall in and are trapped in the oil.