Earwigs hide in damp, dark places during the day, so traps made from rolled-up newspaper work well. If you’re wondering how to get rid of earwigs on plants, you’ve come to the right place. These little pests can chew holes in leaves, flowers, and even soft fruits, leaving your garden looking ragged. But don’t worry—there are simple, effective ways to control them without harsh chemicals.
Earwigs are mostly nocturnal. They come out at night to feed on decaying matter, but they also love tender young plants. The good news is they’re not impossible to manage. You just need a strategy that targets their hiding spots and feeding habits.
How To Get Rid Of Earwigs On Plants
Before you start, it helps to understand earwig behavior. They thrive in moist, sheltered areas like under mulch, in plant debris, or inside cracks in the soil. During the day, they hide. At night, they climb plants to eat. Your job is to make your garden less inviting and to remove them directly.
Identify The Damage First
Earwig damage looks like irregular holes in leaves and petals. You might see ragged edges on seedlings or chewed up flower buds. Sometimes, they eat soft fruit like strawberries or peaches. If you spot these signs, especially near damp areas, earwigs are likely the culprits.
Check your plants at night with a flashlight. You’ll see the earwigs active on leaves and stems. This confirms your problem.
Remove Their Hiding Spots
Earwigs need places to hide during the day. If you remove those spots, they become vulnerable to predators and drying out.
- Clear away dead leaves, grass clippings, and garden debris.
- Move mulch away from plant stems. Keep it thin.
- Trim overgrown weeds and tall grass near your garden.
- Fix leaky faucets or sprinklers that create damp zones.
- Store pots, boards, and bricks off the ground.
This step alone can reduce earwig numbers significantly. They’ll have fewer safe places to rest.
Use Traps To Catch Earwigs
Trapping is one of the most effective methods. Earwigs are easy to catch because they seek out tight, dark spaces.
Rolled Newspaper Traps
Take a few sheets of newspaper, roll them loosely, and dampen them slightly. Place the rolls near affected plants in the evening. Earwigs will crawl inside by morning. In the morning, shake the rolls into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Repeat nightly for best results.
Cardboard Traps
Cut cardboard into small squares or tubes. Dampen them and place them on the soil near plants. Check each morning and dispose of earwigs the same way.
Oil Traps
Use shallow containers like tuna cans. Fill them with a little vegetable oil and a drop of soy sauce. Bury the container so the rim is level with the soil. Earwigs are attracted to the smell, fall in, and drown. Empty and refill every few days.
Create Physical Barriers
Barriers stop earwigs from climbing your plants. They work best for potted plants or small garden beds.
- Wrap a band of petroleum jelly around the base of plant stems. Earwigs can’t cross it.
- Use sticky tape or tree wrap with a sticky coating.
- Place diatomaceous earth around plant bases. This fine powder damages earwigs’ exoskeletons and dehydrates them.
- Apply a ring of wood ash or crushed eggshells. These create a rough surface earwigs avoid.
Reapply these barriers after rain or watering.
Encourage Natural Predators
Birds, frogs, toads, and ground beetles eat earwigs. Make your garden friendly for them.
- Add a birdbath or small pond for frogs and toads.
- Plant native flowers to attract birds.
- Leave a few flat stones or logs for ground beetles to hide under.
- Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that kill beneficial insects.
Natural predators keep earwig populations in check over time.
Use Diatomaceous Earth Safely
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from fossilized algae. It’s safe for people and pets but deadly for earwigs. Sprinkle a thin layer around plant stems and on the soil surface. Reapply after rain. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fine dust.
DE works best in dry conditions. It loses effectiveness when wet, so apply it on dry days.
Try Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that disrupts earwig feeding and reproduction. Mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap. Spray directly on earwigs and on plant leaves. Apply in the evening when earwigs are active. Repeat every 5-7 days.
Neem oil is safe for most plants, but test on a small area first. Avoid spraying during hot sun to prevent leaf burn.
Set Up Beer Traps
Earwigs are attracted to the smell of beer. Fill a shallow container with beer and bury it so the rim is at soil level. Earwigs crawl in and drown. Check traps daily and replace the beer every few days. This method works well near plants with heavy damage.
You can also use a mixture of water, sugar, and yeast if you don’t have beer.
Apply Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap kills earwigs on contact. Buy a ready-to-use spray or make your own: mix 1 tablespoon of mild liquid soap with 1 quart of water. Spray directly on earwigs you see. The soap breaks down their outer coating, causing dehydration.
Use this method sparingly. It can also harm beneficial insects if overused.
Use Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that attack soil-dwelling earwig nymphs. You can buy them online or at garden centers. Mix them with water and apply to the soil around plants. They’re safe for plants, pets, and people. Nematodes work best in moist soil and warm weather.
This is a long-term solution. It takes a few weeks to see results.
Keep Plants Healthy
Healthy plants are less attractive to earwigs. They prefer stressed or damaged plants. Water consistently, fertilize appropriately, and prune dead or diseased parts. Strong plants can tolerate some earwig feeding without major damage.
Also, avoid overwatering. Damp soil encourages earwigs to stay.
Use Row Covers For Young Plants
Row covers are lightweight fabric sheets that protect plants from pests. Drape them over seedlings or tender transplants. Secure the edges with soil or rocks. Earwigs can’t get through the fabric. Remove covers when plants are larger or when flowers need pollination.
This method works well for vegetables like lettuce, beans, and strawberries.
Combine Methods For Best Results
No single method eliminates earwigs completely. Combine trapping, barriers, and habitat removal for the best control. Check your plants regularly and adjust your approach as needed. Earwig populations can fluctuate with weather and seasons.
Be patient. It may take a few weeks to see a significant reduction.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many gardeners make errors that worsen earwig problems. Here are a few to watch out for.
Overwatering Plants
Earwigs love moisture. Overwatering creates perfect conditions for them to thrive. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Use drip irrigation or water at the base to keep leaves dry.
Using Too Much Mulch
Thick mulch provides ideal hiding spots. Keep mulch layers no deeper than 2 inches. Leave a gap between mulch and plant stems.
Ignoring Nighttime Activity
Earwigs are most active at night. If you only check during the day, you might miss them. Set traps in the evening and inspect plants after dark.
Using Harsh Pesticides
Broad-spectrum pesticides kill earwigs but also kill beneficial insects. This can lead to other pest outbreaks. Stick to natural methods first.
When To Call A Professional
If earwigs are damaging large areas of your garden or if they’re entering your home, you might need professional help. Pest control companies can apply targeted treatments that are safe for plants. This is rare for outdoor gardens, but it’s an option if other methods fail.
For most home gardens, the methods above are enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Attracts Earwigs To My Plants?
Earwigs are attracted to moisture, decaying organic matter, and tender plant tissue. They hide in damp mulch, under pots, and in plant debris. Overwatered gardens and dense plantings are especially inviting.
Can Earwigs Kill My Plants?
Earwigs rarely kill healthy plants. They feed on leaves, flowers, and soft fruits, causing cosmetic damage. Seedlings and young transplants are most vulnerable. Severe infestations can stunt growth, but plants usually recover.
Are Earwigs Harmful To Humans Or Pets?
Earwigs are not dangerous. They have pincers that can pinch, but the pinch is mild and rarely breaks skin. They don’t carry diseases. Pets might eat them without issue. Some people are allergic, but reactions are rare.
How Do I Prevent Earwigs From Coming Back?
Prevention focuses on reducing moisture and hiding spots. Keep your garden clean, water wisely, and use barriers around plants. Encourage natural predators. Monitor regularly and set traps early in the season.
Will Vinegar Kill Earwigs On Plants?
Vinegar can kill earwigs on contact, but it can also damage plant leaves. Use it sparingly as a spot treatment. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray directly on earwigs. Avoid spraying healthy foliage.
Final Thoughts On Earwig Control
Earwigs are a nuisance, but they don’t have to ruin your garden. With a combination of traps, barriers, and good garden habits, you can keep them under control. Start with the simplest methods—newspaper traps and removing hiding spots—and add others as needed. Consistency is key. Check your traps daily and adjust your approach based on what works.
Remember, a few earwigs are normal. They even help by eating decaying matter. Only take action if they’re causing noticeable damage. With a little effort, you can enjoy healthy, beautiful plants all season long.