9 Best Homemade Remedies for Deterring Earwigs from Your Garden Plants

Earwig infestations in garden plants can be a troublesome issue for gardeners. These nocturnal insects, characterized by pincer-like appendages, are attracted to moist and sheltered environments, often hiding in garden debris or the folds of plants. Feeding on a variety of plants, fruits, and flowers, earwigs can cause damage by chewing irregular holes in leaves and flowers, affecting the overall health and aesthetic appeal of the garden.

While they can be beneficial by preying on certain pests, their population growth can become problematic. Gardeners may notice the presence of earwigs by their distinctive damage patterns. Effective Vigilance and proactive measures are crucial for minimizing the impact of earwig infestations on garden plants.

Homemade Remedies for Deterring Earwigs

Natural Repellents

Boric acid, a low-toxicity substance, can be sprinkled around the garden to create a barrier that deters earwigs without harming other beneficial insects. Diatomaceous earth, composed of fossilized diatoms, has abrasive particles that dehydrate and disrupt the exoskeleton of earwigs, causing them to perish.

These natural repellents act as physical barriers, creating inhospitable conditions for earwigs without posing significant risks to the environment. Applying these substances strategically around plants and potential hiding spots can help protect your garden without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Essential Oils

Peppermint oil, with its strong scent, can be used as a natural repellent. Mix peppermint oil in water and spray it around the garden.
Eucalyptus oil, known for its aromatic properties, can also discourage earwigs; mix it with water and apply as a spray.
Cinnamon oil is another option; its potent fragrance can be a deterrent. Dilute cinnamon oil with water and spray it on and around plants.
Basil oil, with its pungent aroma, can be effective as well. Dilute basil oil in water and apply it to the affected areas.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a highly effective and natural remedy for deterring earwigs from your garden plants. Composed of microscopic, fossilized diatoms, DE has abrasive particles that damage the exoskeleton of earwigs, leading to dehydration and, ultimately, their demise. To use DE in your garden, lightly dust it on the soil around plants, focusing on areas where earwigs are likely to hide or travel.

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Reapply after rain, as DE loses effectiveness when wet. This method provides a non-toxic solution that targets earwigs without harming beneficial insects or plants. DE is an eco-friendly alternative for gardeners seeking a safe and natural way to manage earwig infestations.

Beer Traps

Beer traps are a simple yet effective homemade remedy for deterring earwigs from your garden plants. To create a beer trap, bury a container, such as a shallow dish or jar, at soil level near affected plants. Fill the container with beer, which attracts earwigs due to its scent. Earwigs are lured into the trap, fall in, and drown.

The beer serves as an irresistible bait, and the trapped earwigs help reduce their population in the garden. Regularly empty and refill the traps to maintain their effectiveness. This natural method is an eco-friendly way to manage earwig populations without resorting to chemical pesticides, making it the best choice for environmentally conscious gardeners.

Neem Oil Spray

Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, serves as an effective natural remedy for deterring earwigs from your garden plants. To create a neem oil spray, mix neem oil (1-2 teaspoons) with a few drops of dish soap and one liter of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well and coat your plants, focusing on the areas where earwigs are prevalent.

Neem oil disrupts the earwig’s feeding and reproductive cycles, acting as a deterrent without harming beneficial insects. Apply the spray every 7-14 days or as needed. This eco-friendly solution provides a sustainable way to protect your garden from earwig damage.

Beneficial Insects

Ladybugs (Lady Beetles): Ladybugs are voracious predators of earwig eggs, making them valuable for garden pest control.
Ground Beetles: These nocturnal predators feed on a variety of pests, including earwigs. They are excellent for controlling insect populations in the soil.
Parasitic Wasps: Certain species of parasitic wasps lay their eggs on or inside earwig eggs, effectively reducing the earwig population in your garden.
Praying Mantises: Praying mantises are generalist predators that will feed on various insects, including earwigs, helping to maintain a balance in your garden.
Nematodes: Beneficial nematodes in the soil can target and control earwig larvae, providing a natural means of biological control.

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Physical Barriers

Copper Tape or Wire: Earwigs are known to avoid crawling over copper surfaces. Place copper tape or wrap copper wire around the stems or pots of your plants to create a barrier that deters earwigs.
Sticky Traps: Set up sticky traps around your garden, especially near the base of plants. Earwigs will be attracted to the traps and get stuck, preventing them from reaching your plants.
Rolled Newspaper Traps: Roll up a damp newspaper and place it near your plants in the evening. Earwigs are attracted to the dampness and will hide in the newspaper overnight. In the morning, collect and dispose of the newspaper with the trapped earwigs.
Eggshell Barriers: Crushed eggshells can create a barrier that earwigs find difficult to traverse. Crushed eggshells should be sprinkled around the base of your plants to deter these pests.

Homemade Earwig Traps

Beer Trap

Bury a small, shallow container (like a yogurt cup) in the soil near your plants so that the rim is at ground level.
Fill the container with beer.
Earwigs are attracted to the beer, crawl in, and drown.

Citrus Peel Trap

Place a dampened, rolled-up newspaper or a citrus peel near the base of your plants in the evening.
Earwigs will hide in the shelter.
In the morning, collect and dispose of the trap with the trapped earwigs.

Cornmeal Trap

Cornmeal should be sprinkled around the base of your plants.
Earwigs will consume the cornmeal, which swells in their digestive systems, causing them to die.

Companion Planting

Basil: Basil emits a strong aroma that can deter earwigs and other pests. Planting basil near vulnerable plants may provide some protection.
Dill: Dill attracts beneficial insects like spiders and predatory wasps that feed on earwigs and other garden pests.
Lavender: The fragrance of lavender can help repel earwigs. Plant it near susceptible plants or create lavender sachets to hang around the garden.
Fennel: Fennel is known to deter earwigs. However, be cautious as it can also attract beneficial insects, so it’s best planted away from other garden plants.
Garlic and Alliums: The strong scent of garlic and other alliums can act as a deterrent for earwigs. Planting them in proximity to vulnerable crops can offer protection.
Sunflowers: Tall sunflowers can provide shade and shelter for beneficial insects that prey on earwigs. They also attract birds, which may feed on earwigs.

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Conclusion

Incorporating these homemade remedies provides a natural and effective defense against earwigs in your garden. These methods offer environmentally friendly solutions for deterring and controlling earwig populations. Experiment with these remedies to find the combination that works best for your garden, promoting a healthy and pest-resistant environment for your plants.