Do Earwigs Eat Plants

Earwigs hide in damp soil and eat decaying matter, but they also damage live plants like seedlings and flowers. If you’ve ever wondered, do earwigs eat plants, the short answer is yes—they can be a real pest in your garden. These insects are nocturnal and often go unnoticed until the damage is done.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what earwigs eat, how to spot their damage, and what you can do to protect your plants. We’ll keep it practical and step-by-step, so you can take action right away.

Yes, earwigs do eat plants, but they aren’t picky eaters. They prefer soft, tender plant tissue like seedlings, flowers, and young leaves. They also consume decaying organic matter, which makes them both a pest and a decomposer in your garden.

Earwigs are omnivores. That means they eat both plant material and small insects. However, when populations are high, they can cause significant damage to your prized plants.

What Types Of Plants Do Earwigs Target

Earwigs are attracted to a wide range of plants. They especially love:

Seedlings and young transplants
Soft-leaved vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and basil
Flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, and dahlias
Fruit crops like strawberries and raspberries
Corn silks and tender corn leaves

They tend to avoid plants with tough, waxy leaves or strong scents, like rosemary or lavender. But if food is scarce, they may nibble on almost anything green.

How To Identify Earwig Damage On Plants

Earwig damage looks distinct. You’ll notice irregular holes in leaves, especially near the edges. They often leave a ragged, chewed appearance. Unlike caterpillars or slugs, earwigs don’t leave slime trails or frass (droppings) on the leaves.

Common signs include:

Small, irregular holes in leaves
Chewed flower petals, especially at night
Damage to seedlings at the soil line
Missing or damaged corn silks
Holes in ripening fruit

Check your plants at night with a flashlight. Earwigs are most active after dark, and you’ll likely spot them feeding.

Why Earwigs Damage Plants

Earwigs don’t just eat plants for fun. They need moisture and shelter. Damp, mulched gardens provide ideal hiding spots. When their natural food sources like decaying leaves run low, they turn to live plants.

They are also attracted to light. Outdoor lights can draw them to your garden, increasing the chance of plant damage.

Are Earwigs Beneficial In Any Way

Yes, earwigs aren’t all bad. They eat aphids, mites, and other small pests. They also help break down dead plant material, returning nutrients to the soil. So a few earwigs can be helpful, but large numbers become a problem.

If you see only a few, you might leave them alone. But if they’re damaging your plants, it’s time to take action.

How To Prevent Earwig Damage

Prevention is the best strategy. Start by making your garden less inviting to earwigs. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

Reduce moisture. Water plants in the morning so the soil dries by evening. Earwigs love damp conditions.
Clear debris. Remove piles of leaves, grass clippings, and mulch from around plant bases. This eliminates hiding spots.
Use diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around plant stems. It’s sharp and dehydrates earwigs.
Set traps. Place rolled-up newspapers or cardboard tubes in the garden. Earwigs hide in them during the day. Shake them into a bucket of soapy water.
Apply neem oil. Spray neem oil on affected plants. It repels earwigs and other pests.

These methods are safe for pets and beneficial insects when used correctly.

Natural Predators Of Earwigs

Encourage natural predators to keep earwig numbers in check. Birds, toads, and ground beetles all eat earwigs. You can attract them by providing water sources and native plants.

Chickens and ducks also love eating earwigs. If you have backyard poultry, let them forage in the garden during the day.

How To Control Earwigs Without Chemicals

If prevention isn’t enough, you can control earwigs using simple, non-toxic methods. Here are the most effective ones:

Beer traps. Bury a shallow container so the rim is level with the soil. Fill it with beer. Earwigs are attracted to the smell and drown.
Oil traps. Mix soy sauce and vegetable oil in a shallow dish. Place it near damaged plants. Earwigs crawl in and can’t escape.
Sticky barriers. Apply Tanglefoot or another sticky substance around plant stems. It stops earwigs from climbing up.
Handpicking. At night, go out with a flashlight and pick earwigs off plants. Drop them into soapy water.

These methods are cheap and effective. You just need to be consistent for a few weeks.

When To Use Insecticides

Chemical insecticides should be a last resort. If earwig damage is severe and natural methods aren’t working, you can use a product containing spinosad or pyrethrin. These are less toxic to beneficial insects than broad-spectrum pesticides.

Always follow label instructions. Apply in the evening when earwigs are active and bees are less likely to be present.

Common Myths About Earwigs

There are many misconceptions about earwigs. Let’s clear a few up:

Myth: Earwigs crawl into ears. This is extremely rare. They prefer damp, dark places, not human ears.
Myth: Earwigs are dangerous. They have pincers but rarely pinch humans. They are not poisonous.
Myth: Earwigs only eat dead plants. As we’ve seen, they eat live plants too, especially when populations are high.

Knowing the truth helps you deal with them more effectively.

Seasonal Earwig Activity

Earwigs are most active in spring and early summer. That’s when they emerge from overwintering and start feeding. Damage peaks in late spring when seedlings are tender and vulnerable.

In hot, dry weather, earwigs seek moisture and may move into gardens. In fall, they look for shelter to overwinter, often in leaf piles or under rocks.

Monitor your garden regularly during these times. Early detection makes control much easier.

How Earwigs Affect Different Plants

Not all plants suffer equally. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Vegetables: Lettuce, cabbage, and beans are highly susceptible. Damage can stunt growth or kill young plants.
Flowers: Marigolds, petunias, and roses often get chewed petals. This reduces their ornamental value.
Fruit: Strawberries and raspberries can be ruined by earwig feeding. They leave small holes that invite rot.
Herbs: Basil and cilantro are favorites. Stronger herbs like mint and rosemary are usually safe.

If you grow these plants, pay extra attention during earwig season.

Do Earwigs Eat Plants At Night

Yes, earwigs are nocturnal. They hide during the day in soil cracks, under pots, or in mulch. At night, they come out to feed. This is why you might not see them even when damage is obvious.

To confirm earwig activity, go out after dark with a flashlight. Check the undersides of leaves and around the base of plants. You’ll likely find them feeding.

Can Earwigs Kill Plants

In large numbers, earwigs can kill young seedlings. They chew through stems at the soil line, causing the plant to fall over. They can also defoliate small plants completely.

Mature plants usually survive earwig feeding, but they may look ragged and produce less fruit or flowers. So yes, earwigs can be deadly to vulnerable plants.

How To Make A Homemade Earwig Trap

Making your own trap is easy and cost-effective. Here’s a simple recipe:

Take a shallow container like a tuna can or yogurt cup.
Fill it with a mixture of equal parts vegetable oil and soy sauce.
Place the container near damaged plants, level with the soil.
Check it each morning and dispose of trapped earwigs.
Refill as needed until damage stops.

This trap works because earwigs are attracted to the smell of soy sauce and get trapped in the oil. It’s safe for pets and children.

Using Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that parasitize earwig larvae in the soil. They are a biological control method that’s safe for plants and animals.

Apply nematodes to moist soil in the evening. They need moisture to move and infect earwigs. You can buy them online or at garden centers.

This method is most effective when earwig populations are still low. It’s a good preventive measure.

Do Earwigs Eat Plant Roots

Earwigs rarely eat roots. They prefer above-ground plant parts like leaves, flowers, and fruit. However, they may nibble on roots if they are soft and accessible, especially in damp soil.

Root damage is more likely caused by other pests like grubs or cutworms. If you see root damage, check for other culprits first.

Earwigs Vs. Other Common Garden Pests

It’s easy to confuse earwig damage with other pests. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Slugs and snails: Leave slime trails and smooth-edged holes.
Caterpillars: Leave frass (droppings) and often eat entire leaves.
Cutworms: Cut stems at the soil line, often killing plants.
Earwigs: Leave ragged, irregular holes without slime or frass.

Identifying the pest correctly helps you choose the right control method.

How To Protect Seedlings From Earwigs

Seedlings are most vulnerable. Protect them with these steps:

Start seeds indoors or in a protected area.
Use collars made from cardboard or plastic cups around stems.
Apply diatomaceous earth around the base of each plant.
Water in the morning to reduce nighttime moisture.
Check seedlings daily for signs of damage.

These measures can save your young plants from being eaten overnight.

Earwigs In The Garden: Friend Or Foe

Earwigs are a mixed bag. They eat pests like aphids but also damage plants. The key is balance. If you have only a few, they might help your garden. If they’re causing visible damage, it’s time to reduce their numbers.

Don’t try to eliminate them completely. A small population is normal and even beneficial. Focus on protecting vulnerable plants instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do earwigs eat all types of plants?

No, they prefer soft, tender plants like seedlings, lettuce, and flowers. They avoid tough, waxy, or strongly scented plants.

Can earwigs damage mature trees?

Rarely. They might nibble on young leaves or fruit, but they don’t harm mature trees significantly.

How do I know if earwigs are eating my plants at night?

Check your garden after dark with a flashlight. Look for earwigs on leaves and stems. Also look for irregular holes without slime.

Will earwigs eat my vegetable garden?

Yes, they can damage vegetables like lettuce, beans, and corn. Use traps and barriers to protect your crops.

Are earwigs harmful to humans?

No, they are not dangerous. They have pincers but rarely pinch. They don’t spread disease or bite.

Earwigs are a common garden pest, but they don’t have to ruin your plants. With the right knowledge and a few simple tools, you can keep them under control. Start with prevention, monitor regularly, and use traps when needed. Your garden will thank you.