Earwigs

Description

The European Earwig (Forficula auricularia) is one of the more common pests in homes and gardens. If present in large numbers the Earwig may damage flowers (carnations, marigolds, asters, dahlias, chrysanthemums, roses, zinnias), fruits (peaches, raspberries) and vegetables (beans, carrots, corn, celery, lettuce, potatoes).

The adult Earwig is about 3/4 inch long, and reddish-brown in color. The young are similar to the adults in general appearance, but smaller. In maturing, the insect sheds its skin four times. Both males and females have a pair of large curved forceps at the rear of the body. The adults have wings but do not fly often.

Earwigs live for only one year and many die during the winter months. In early spring the surviving females lay about 60 round white eggs in small nests made in the top 2 inches of soil. When the young are about 1/4 inch in length they leave the nest in search of food. They reach the adult stage in about 10 weeks.

Habits

In their search for food and shelter, Earwigs crawl over the ground, readily entering houses. They forage at night and hide in dark secluded places during the day. They eat both plant and animal food.

The European Earwig moves from place to place largely through the agency of man. The Earwig rarely flies and is not inclined to travel extensively by crawling, but it may be transported easily, and unknowingly, by man. Wandering at night, it crawls into any available hiding place at the approach of daylight, and thus it can be carried long distances in bundles of newspapers, in flowers, groceries, clothing and in packages.

Control

Chemical treatment can be started in early spring, and in bad years may need to be carried out until first frost. The treatment should be applied along building foundations, under verandas and fences, and around woodpiles, garages and tree trunks. A community-wide program will produce the most satisfactory results. Since Earwigs move about very freely, a garden to which chemicals have been applied may soon be infested again, unless gardens nearby are treated at the same time.