EARWIGSEarwigs eat an omnivorous diet of aphids, mites, fleas, insect eggs, dahlias, marigolds, lettuce, potatoes, corn, hostas, mosses, lichens, and algae. European earwigs cause severe damage on seedlings and soft fruit. They are nocturnal and hide in cool, dark, usually moist spots during the day. They enter homes only to hide and are often mistaken for cockroaches. You can find them hiding under outdoor furniture, near hoses, under garbage can lids and under ill-fitting well caps. Many people have problems with earwigs under well caps (an especially attractive habitat for them). While they do not pose a direct health threat, the bugs can fall into the water, die, and decay, causing harmful bacteria to increase.

On plants earwig damage resembles small holes on fruit, leaves, flowers, or new growth. This damage can be confused with slug, cutworm, caterpillar, and even rabbit damage. If you see damage on your plants during the day but can’t find the culprit, check plants at night. They do not cause damage indoors.