Earwigs in my roses, any help? - Knowledgebase Question - Garden.org

Garden Planning

Spring Valley, CA

Question by ladyblue77
May 6, 2007

I'm a beginner when it comes to roses, actually any flower for that matter... but the BIG problem I'm having right now are earwigs. They are every where, but seem to like the roses and carnations the best. We have put down gradule insect killer as well as spraying the plants with an insecticide. Is there any thing else I can do to get rid of these things? Also, are my plants doomed or might they survive if I can get this under control?

Answer from NGA
May 6, 2007

0	Earwigs are one of those semi-good guys that sometimes become a nuisance. Although they occasionally chomp on our flowers, they also have the habit of chomping on aphids and certain pest larvae. To protect seedlings, surround them with a sticky barrier, such as cardboard coated with petroleum jelly, and if the critters try to scale it, they'll get stuck. Earwigs like cool, shady spots to hide out in. You can trap earwigs with moistened rolled newspaper laid at the base of your rose bushes. Pick them up in the morning and dump into a can of soapy water. Also keep your garden free from plant debris and rubbish, where earwigs love to hide. If this trapping method doesn't catch what you have, diatomaceous earth sprinkled sparsely on the ground will discourage them as well. Diatomaceous earth is available at most garden centers.

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