Earwigs are nocturnal insects that are considered both friend and foe to gardeners.
The bug plays a beneficial role in gardens because they will remove any decaying matter and consume predators of snails, grub worms, and other larvae that destroy plants.
Earwigs are also considered a pest, however, since they do feed on corn silks and chew holes in flowers and foliage, as well as damage seedlings and fruits.
Earwigs are reddish-brown with flat bodies that grow to ¾ inches in length.
They are most commonly identified by the set of pincers located at the rear of their body, which is used for capturing food and mating. Some species of the insect have wings, but they are usually seen crawling rather than flying.
Interestingly enough, some people believe that an earwig will crawl into the ears of a human and cause damage to the brain, but it's simply not true. The insect is harmless to humans and pets.
A female earwig can lay up to 50 eggs under the soil between January and February. Within two months young nymphs will hatch, but stay hidden in the soil until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
The best natural defense against earwigs if they become a nuisance in the garden is by removing garden debris and any excess mulch that can provide the insect a place to live and breed in.
Setting out crumpled newspaper that has been moistened to attract earwigs near plants in the garden or a small cardboard box baited with oatmeal. Check the paper and boxes in the morning and remove any earwigs by disposing of them in a container of warm soapy water.
Not all garden insects are harmful. Some insects are good for one or another plant.