Earwigs (Labiidae)

Host plants: These insects are generalist pests that feed on a variety of vegetation. They are particularly attracted to tender seedlings, soft fruits like strawberries and peaches, and various ornamental flowers including dahlias and marigolds. They can cause significant economic losses in both vegetable gardens and flower beds when populations spike.

Biology and life cycle: Earwigs are nocturnal, preferring dark and damp microclimates. Their life cycle is based on incomplete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, nymph, and adult stages. A notable biological feature is that the female remains with her eggs throughout the incubation period to keep them clean and protected, which ensures a high survival rate for the nymphs.

Character of damage and economic importance: Feeding damage appears as irregular holes in foliage, blossoms, and fruits. Earwigs often consume the growing tips of young plants, potentially stunting growth or killing the seedling entirely. Their presence is often associated with the consumption of plant tissues, leading to secondary infections by bacteria or fungi that further degrade the quality of the produce.

Control measures: Integrated pest management (IPM) is crucial for controlling earwig populations:

• Eliminate harborages by removing debris, piles of mulch, and decaying wood near the plants.
• Use physical traps such as corrugated cardboard rolls or dampened towels to capture them overnight for disposal.
• Maintain garden hygiene to reduce moisture levels that attract these pests.
• Apply botanical or synthetic insecticides only when necessary and during the evening hours when insects are most active.