Do Earwigs Eat Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular fruits for gardeners to grow in their home garden. They are easy to grow, very healthy, and can be used in a variety of dishes. However, gardeners have been concerned about whether earwigs eat tomato plants.

What are Earwigs?

Earwigs are small insects that belong to the order of Dermaptera. They are characterized by their long and slender bodies, as well as their pincers or cerci that protrude from their abdomen. Earwigs can be found in most parts of the world and are usually found in moist and dark environments like soil and tree trunks.

Do Earwigs Eat Tomato Plants?

Earwigs are omnivorous insects that feed on both plant and animal matter. They are known to eat a wide range of plants including fruits and vegetables like strawberries, roses, lettuce, and beans. But do they eat tomato plants?

The answer is yes, earwigs can eat tomato plants. They are attracted to the plant's leaves, stems, and fruit as a food source. They have powerful mandibles that can chew through the skin of tomatoes, causing damage to the fruit and leading to rotting or fungal infections.

Signs of Earwig Damage on Tomato Plants

Earwigs can cause a lot of damage to tomato plants if left unchecked. Some of the signs of earwig damage to tomato plants include:

Bite marks on the leaves and fruit of tomato plants

Presence of earwigs on the plant during the night

Tomatoes that are deformed or stunted in growth

Brown or black specks on the fruit of tomato plants

How to Get Rid of Earwigs on Tomato Plants?

If you notice earwig damage on your tomato plants, there are several things you can do to get rid of them:

Handpicking - you can pick the earwigs off the plants by hand and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water.

Traps - you can make earwig traps using rolls of newspapers or cardboard that have been moistened and then placed around the base of tomato plants.

Nematodes - Nematodes are tiny worms that can be introduced to your tomato plants to help control earwig populations. They are available at most garden centers.

Tips for Preventing Earwig Damage on Tomato Plants

There are also several things you can do to minimize the risk of earwig damage to your tomato plants. These include:

Removing debris and excess mulch from your garden – earwigs love to hide in damp organic matter such as leaves and mulch. Removing this debris eliminates potential hiding spots.

Water your tomato plants in the morning – earwigs are mainly active during the night, so watering your plants in the morning gives them a chance to dry out before earwigs start feeding.

Plant basil or other herbs near your tomato plants – the strong scent of herbs can help deter earwigs from infesting your tomato plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, earwigs can eat tomato plants and cause extensive damage if left unchecked. However, there are several solutions that you can implement to help reduce the risk of earwig infestation on tomato plants, including handpicking, traps, and nematodes. With some care and attention, you can enjoy a healthy and bountiful tomato harvest.