|
Earwigs can run quite quickly, so that would
suggest that they are 'hunters' rather than vegetarians! They do in fact
like a feast of aphids, so might not be totally accepted as a garden
pest. Much depends upon your tolerance level of things creepy-crawly!
The main damage caused to plant by Earwigs, is small
holes in foliage and flowers of some plants. Dahlias and Chrysanthemums
in particular. The type of flowers associated with these plants, makes
for a good hiding place for the long bodied insects. Earwigs have a
nasty habit of dropping out of cut flower arrangements!
Affected blooms will have ragged edges where the
Earwigs supplement their aphid meal with a 'veggie' course - not good
for those wishing to grow prize blooms.
Badly affected plants and greenhouse areas can be
sprayed with Bifenthrin, or you can tap the stems of the affected plants
and 'collect' the insects that fall out - very effective with dahlias
and Chrysanthemums. Another 'organic' way is to leave a few upturned
pots about - filled with straw old screwed up newspaper and leave around
as traps for the Earwigs. Having caught the Earwigs, you can then
'dispose' according to your squeamishness or degree of sympathy you have
for other living creatures! Earwigs normally
feed at night. |
