As a horticulturist with years of experience in managing gardens, I can provide you with an informed perspective on the role of earwigs in the garden ecosystem.

Earwigs are often misunderstood creatures. While they do have a reputation for being pests, they are not always harmful to gardens. In fact, earwigs can be quite beneficial. They are primarily nocturnal and feed on a variety of materials.
Adult earwigs are known to feed on decaying plant matter, while larvae can be more predatory and may consume other small insects, including those that are considered pests in the garden.

However, it's important to note that in certain conditions, earwigs can become a nuisance. When the population of earwigs becomes too high, they can start to feed on live plants, causing damage to the garden. This is more likely to occur during periods of drought when other food sources are scarce.

To manage earwigs in the garden, one can employ several strategies:


1. Natural Predators: Encourage the presence of natural predators such as birds, frogs, and certain insects that feed on earwigs.

2. Traps: Use traps to catch earwigs, especially during the night when they are most active.

3. Barriers: Create physical barriers around plants that are particularly susceptible to earwig damage.

4. Watering: Ensure that the garden is well-watered, as drought conditions can lead to an increase in earwig activity and damage.

In conclusion, while earwigs can be harmful if their population becomes too large, they are generally beneficial to the garden by helping to control other pests and by breaking down organic matter. It's all about maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

read more >>

But that is not to say that earwigs are not harmful to your garden though. Earwigs will chew on flowers, vegetables and other plants. Earwig damage can be identified by ragged edges or holes found on the leaves and petals of a plant. ... Earwigs are nocturnal insects.read more >>