How to Rid Earwigs from Potted Plants

Earwigs can be a nuisance to potted plants, especially during the warm season when they’re active. These insects feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits, and can cause significant damage to your plants. If you’ve noticed earwigs in your potted plants and want to get rid of them, here are some effective methods you can try.

Clean Your Potted Plants

Cleaning your potted plants is one of the easiest ways to get rid of earwigs. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the leaves and stems of your plants to remove any debris or dead insects that may be attracting earwigs. Also, remove any decaying plant matter, such as fallen leaves or flowers, from the soil surface and dispose of it properly.

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that can be used to kill earwigs in potted plants. This powder is made from the fossilized remains of hard-shelled algae and is safe for most plants. Simply sprinkle the powder around the base of your plants and on the soil surface. The diatomaceous earth will cut through the earwig’s exoskeleton, causing it to dehydrate and die.

Make a Boric Acid Solution

A boric acid solution can be a useful tool in eradicating earwigs from your potted plants. To make this solution, mix 1 tablespoon of boric acid with 1 cup of water. Apply the solution to the soil surface around the base of your plants. The boric acid will poison the earwigs and prevent them from causing further damage.

Set Up Traps

Traps can be an effective way to catch and eliminate earwigs from your potted plants. One easy method is to roll up a damp newspaper and place it in the soil near your plants. Earwigs will be attracted to the moist paper and will crawl inside. Check the traps regularly and dispose of the earwigs. You can also set up pitfall traps by burying a small container, such as a yogurt cup, in the soil and filling it with a liquid bait, such as soy sauce or beer. The earwigs will crawl into the cup and drown.

Conclusion

Don’t let earwigs ruin your potted plants. Try one or more of these methods to remove these pesky insects from your plants and keep them healthy and thriving.