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Earwigs...friend or foe?

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  • Earwigs...friend or foe?

    My brassica bed is absolutely covered in earwigs - I lifted my first cauliflower today (hooray! ) and around 10 ran away from under it and I found a few in the plant itself. There's no real sign of any damage yet, but as there are so many I wondered if anyone has had any trouble with them? I can't seem to find much info on them.

  • #2
    I've not had them cause any (edit: much) damage, if you want to get rid of them an easy way is to stuff a plant pot (3 inch or so) with shredded paper/straw, and pop it upside down on a cane. They'll congregate in it overnight, and then you can dispose of how you please in the morning.

    I just find them annoying more than anything, especially when you open up a parasol that's been left outside and hundreds drop on you!

    edit: oh I think they munched my sweetcorn silks last year, but didn't really cause that much issue really!
    Last edited by chris; 17-07-2011, 05:10 PM.

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    • #3
      They will predate on other pests so can be a friend... However, they'll also feed on plants... My aubergines have lots of holes in the growing points thanks to earwigs!

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      • #4
        Haven't had a problem with them on the veg, but they've made a right mess of my dahlias.
        Granny on the Game in Sheffield

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        • #5
          When I was a wee lad I sniffed a chrysanthemum & one closed it's pincers,nipping (& holding on) my cheek just under my eye & boy did it hurt
          He who smiles in the face of adversity,has already decided who to blame

          Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

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          • #6
            the upside down flowerpot with straw really works.

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            • #7
              I don't have a problem with them apart from hiding inside my little gem lettuce. They fall out all over the kitchen worktop when I've washed the lettuce for eating!

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              • #8
                They trashed my aubergines in the tunnel last year - reduced the leaves to lace. Other than that I have suffered very little damage by them, though they do like hiding in Globe Artichokes - not good!
                Rat

                British by birth
                Scottish by the Grace of God

                http://scotsburngarden.blogspot.com/
                http://davethegardener.blogspot.com/

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                • #9
                  Revolting things. They set up house in the garlic stems that were drying in the blowaway last year. Brought em inside to braid and they'd run across the dinner table. Eww. Don't mind most bugs but they creep me out. Still wouldn't wish them harm though, they're fugly but not a major threat.

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                  • #10
                    They creep me out too. I once dried my mop out overnight outside and when I used it the next day it was absolutely full of the darn things.
                    Granny on the Game in Sheffield

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Aberdeenplotter View Post
                      the upside down flowerpot with straw really works.
                      Or with shredded newspaper.

                      I can trap them OK, but can anyone tell me how to stamp on them all when they run off in 100 different directions?

                      They chewed up my sweetcorn last year, made the ends of the cobs rot off. They also congregate in the guinea pig hutch which grosses me out
                      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post
                        Or with shredded newspaper.

                        I can trap them OK, but can anyone tell me how to stamp on them all when they run off in 100 different directions?
                        Stop stamping. Light a barbecue, get the coal nice and hot and empty the pot full of newspaper and earwigs onto it. (BTW, you have a chimnea, don't you?)

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Mulchkin View Post
                          My brassica bed is absolutely covered in earwigs - I lifted my first cauliflower today (hooray! ) and around 10 ran away from under it and I found a few in the plant itself. There's no real sign of any damage yet, but as there are so many I wondered if anyone has had any trouble with them? I can't seem to find much info on them.
                          HAHA I read the tile as FRIED NOT FRIEND LOL
                          Gardening ..... begins with daybreak
                          and ends with backache

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                          • #14
                            My Ma hates them. Mr Flum once told her they are very good mothers. She said, 'You can't get round me like that!'
                            Whoever plants a garden believes in the future.

                            www.vegheaven.blogspot.com Updated March 9th - Spring

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by jackie j View Post
                              HAHA I read the tile as FRIED NOT FRIEND LOL
                              Put your glasses on Jackie

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