Earwigs usually aren’t regarded as a problem insect pest, but they can attack plants, causing damage particularly to flowers and flower buds.
Description
Earwigs cause damage to plants, as they eat the young leaves and flowers. They will often eat the developing flower buds of chrysanthemums, dahlias, clematis and other flowering plants.
Symptoms
Irregular-shaped holes in leaves and flower petals.
Treatment and control
Make traps with straw packed inside a plant pot upturned on top of a cane placed near the flowers. Empty daily and remove the earwigs.
Smear canes and other supports with petroleum jelly to stop them climbing up and getting at the leaves and flowers.
