PEST

NAME
Earwigs
Various Earwigs Species

ORDER
Dermaptera

Description of the Pest
Earwigs are slender insect with large pair of curved forceps at the rear of the abdomen and may be black to brownish. All Earwigs lay eggs in groups of 50 in the soil up to 50mm deep and tend the new borne for up to two weeks.
These insects have a Hemimetabolouslife cycle, ie. When the immature nymphsresemble the adults.

European Earwig(Forficula auricularia), the male has curved forceps and the female has straight forceps. The folded wings cover the thorax and the insect is reddish brown, up to 20mm long. When disturbed it omits a fluid from its back, but will not harm humans.

     

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Earwigs are normally found in dark, damp places such as under rocks, logs, stones and in decaying organic material as found in weedy places. They emerge from the soil or from inside the petals at night to feed on the host plant and are dispersed by flying or walking to new areas. They may also be transported in soil or on vegetative material to new regions.

Period of Activity
They are most active during the warmer months from summer to autumn. The females deposit eggs during spring and summer, which generally produces one generation per year. Eggs are laid in the soil and the female guards them until they hatch. The nymphs have six stages and the adults tend to be nocturnal.

Damage Caused
The European Earwig is a serious pest and eats holes in flower buds, fruit or leaves causing no distortion in the growth but the margins are left ragged. In a glasshouse or bush-house the insect feeds on the root tips of epiphytic orchids, fern tips or new shoots. The Australian native species cause little harm.



Susceptible Plants
A wide range of plants are attacked these include vegetables, ornamental perennials such as Chrysanthemum species and dahlias.

Cultural Control
Insects may be trapped in shredded newspaper or between slightly spaced grooved timber and in upturned pots with straw in side. They may be collected by hand and drowned in soapy water. Remove any dead plant material from around the base of the plant.

Chemical Control
Infested areas can be dusted with lime or naphthalene flakes. The plants may also be sprayed with Carbaryl in heavy infestations.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.