Daylilies & Earwigs

Earwigs

• Earwigs are small, reddish-brown insects, usually 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. They are easily identified by the pincers on their tail end. Male earwigs have curved pincers, while females have smaller, straight pincers. Earwigs feed at night and hide during the day. They lay their eggs in the ground, never indoors. Although earwigs look unpleasant, they're harmless to humans.

Earwig Damage

• Earwigs feed on decaying matter as well as flowers and leaves. Look for ragged holes in the leaves of plants. Daylily flowers damaged by earwigs have torn and ragged edges. The petals have skeletonized areas that look as if the outside layers have been scraped off. In addition to daylilies, earwigs are especially harmful to daisies, marigolds, zinnias and roses.

Natural Controls

• Earwigs prefer moist areas and hide under mulch or flowerpots or in cracks during the day. Reduce the number of hiding places by keeping flower beds clear of fallen leaves and flowers. Keep mulch several inches away from the crowns of daylily plants and water early in the day so that the mulch and soil surface have a chance to dry before nightfall. You can also trap earwigs by laying moist burlap or cardboard on the ground; the insects will hide under the trap the following morning and are easily destroyed. In addition, since earwigs live within the top inch of the soil surface, frequent shallow cultivation disturbs the soil enough to make it inhospitable.

Chemical Controls

• Insecticides containing carbaryl are effective against earwigs. Consult with your garden center for recommended products for your area. In addition, granular or pelleted baits are available that can be spread throughout areas infested with earwigs. Use baits with caution in gardens accessible to small children or pets.