How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Scientific Name: Forficula auricularia
(Reviewed 6/08, updated 6/08)
In this Guideline:
Earwigs feed at night and can be found hidden inside split fruit and around crowns of plants during the day. They are slender brown insects, about 0.5 to 0.75 inch (12-19 mm) long. They have a conspicuous pair of pincers attached to the back end of the abdomen. The adults' wing covers are short and leathery. The pest becomes most destructive as nymphs approach maturity from April to July.
Earwig feeding results in small deep holes in the fruit that can only be distinguished from slug damage by the absence of slime. They will also inhabit catfaced or open-ended fruit.
To control earwigs, destroy rubbish near strawberry fields. In South Coast areas, earwigs may become a problem when they are present inside split fruit at harvest. If a lot of fruit splitting occurs, look for earwigs and apply bait if they are present. If fruit splitting is not occurring, there is no need for treatment.
Earwigs can be monitored using inverted containers that are filled with shredded paper and have holes located near their bases. Examine the containers by removing the shredded paper to look for earwigs that have sought shelter. You can also use small cans, about one-third filled with vegetable oil containing a small amount of bacon grease or fish oil. Earwigs are attracted by the bacon grease or fish oil, fall into the vegetable oil, and suffocate. If significant numbers of earwigs are present, apply bait to the tops of beds, between plants.
Organically Acceptable Methods
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines:
Insects and Mites
Acknowledgment for contributions to the Insects and Mites: