Earwigs, Away!

When Lewis Carroll coined the term "slithy toves," he might have had earwigs (pictured above) in mind. These semi-slimy pests slither and "gimble" through San Diego yards and homes in increasing numbers during the spring and summer months. According to Dr. David Kellum, a County Entomologist, "The rainy winter has caused a lot of plant grownth, and that means there is more food for bugs." Earwigs are easily distinguished from other bugs by "pinchers" near their abdomin. Contrary to the old wive's tale about earwigs entering the brain through the ear canal, these bugs are neither dangerous nor poisonous and can be helpful in the garden as a natural enemy to aphids. They can, however, become a pest control problem if they wander indoors. Here are a few tips for controlling these creepy but mostly harmless bugs.
Earwigs like a moist, dark environment and live on vegetation, like overgrown weeds, fruit dropped from a tree, or some varieties of roots and flowers. They also eat smaller bugs. Clear your yard of wood piles, rock piles, dead leaves and grass clippings. Keep the yard trimmed and the soil cleared, especially within two feet of the foundations of the home. Earwigs love marigolds - so do not plant these next to the house. If you find a large population in one area of the yard, leave a damp, rolled up newspaper near that area. They will often crawl into the newspaper during the heat of the day. In the evening, seal the paper in a plastic bag and dispose of it. Should earwigs invade your home, you may need the help of a pest professional, although they usually die indoors because there is little for them to eat. For earwig control outdoors, check with a good garden shop. They may look creepy, but these southern California pests are not out to get you!