How to Control Earwigs Naturally: Tips and Tricks
Earwigs are a type of insect that can cause damage to your plants, vegetables, and fruits in your garden. They are commonly found during the summer and can multiply quickly if they are not controlled. These pests have sharp pincers on their tail, which they use for defense and catching prey.
If you have earwigs in your garden, it is essential to control them before they cause any significant damage. Luckily, there are several natural ways to control these pests.
1. Remove Their Hiding Places
Earwigs like dark and damp areas where they can hide during the day. If you remove their hiding places, you can reduce their population. Inspect your garden and remove any debris or piles of leaves and grass clippings. You can also remove any other objects that could provide shelter, such as old pots or boards.
2. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from ground-up fossilized diatoms. It is an effective way to control many types of pests, including earwigs. Diatomaceous earth works by cutting the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of your plants or anywhere you have seen earwigs. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when applying it because it can irritate your skin and lungs.
3. Use Rolled-Up Newspaper Traps
Earwigs are attracted to dark and damp areas, so you can use this to your advantage by creating traps. Take a few sheets of newspaper and roll them up tightly into tubes. Place the rolled-up newspapers in the areas where you have seen earwigs.
Check the newspaper traps every morning and dispose of any earwigs that you find. Repeat this process until you no longer see earwigs in your garden.
4. Use Essential Oils
Many essential oils are effective at repelling earwigs because they don’t like their strong scent. Peppermint, lavender, and lemon eucalyptus essential oils are all great options.
Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it around your garden. You can also soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them in areas where you have seen earwigs.
5. Use Beneficial Insects
Beneficial insects are predators that eat other insects, including earwigs. Some beneficial insects that eat earwigs include ground beetles, centipedes, and spiders.
You can attract these insects to your garden by planting native plants, providing shelter, and avoiding the use of pesticides.
Earwigs can be a nuisance in your garden, but there are several natural ways to control them. You can remove their hiding places, use diatomaceous earth, create rolled-up newspaper traps, use essential oils, and attract beneficial insects. By following these tips and tricks, you can keep earwigs at bay and protect your plants, vegetables, and fruits from damage.
The Author:
Pioneerthinking.com – Ingredients for a Simple Life.
Photo. Silviu
