Earwig sketch by Jane Gates
Like most children, I used to have a dread of these evil creatures armed with formidable tools of torture and likely to seek entry in the ears of the unsuspecting. Even the common names of ‘Earwig’ or ‘Pincerbug’ instilled horror. Of course, the fears were ridiculous. Yet, even today, these skittering insects can still make me cringe. Although they can do some light damage in the garden, they do not merit the hatred they inspire. They will nibble at tender shoots, soft fruits and vegetables and seedlings. They like to hide in shady spots like flowers and buds and come wriggling out at alarming speeds as if to attack when they are disturbed. But despite the unappealing behaviors of these scary looking insects, they actually do more good than harm. Most earwigs, especially the striped earwig (Labidura riparia) common in my area, are heavy predators on pests such as aphids and immature destructive caterpillars. They are especially helpful in ridding fruit trees of aphid insects. Since they have no strength in their pincers, they are incapable of inflicting injury of any sort on humans or pets.
I prefer to leave earwigs or, if you prefer, pincerbugs — alone and to tolerate the occasional repulsion they cause me. If they are becoming too destructive to your corn or other crops, you can lay down a board under which they’ll hide and collect them early in the morning when they’re still inactive. Heavier insecticides are an alternative but should be kept away from edibles. Since poisons are likely to destroy other helpful insects and pollute your mini-environment, I personally feel it is preferable to deal with the emotional dislike and simply leave the insects alone to hunt out more damaging insects.
Also see:
Insect pests that attract ants
