Earwigs
insectForficula auricularia
Nocturnal insects with distinctive pincers. Feed on soft plant parts at night. Also eat some pests.
Identification
3/4 inch dark brown insect with curved rear pincers. Nocturnal. Found in moist, dark hiding spots during day.
Damage & Symptoms
Irregular holes in leaves and flowers (similar to slug damage but no slime). Damage to soft fruits (strawberries). Seedling damage.
Organic Control
Trap with rolled newspaper or cardboard tubes. Oil and soy sauce in shallow containers. Diatomaceous earth.
Chemical Control
Carbaryl bait. Spinosad bait.
Prevention
Remove debris and mulch near seedlings. Watering in morning so surface dries by evening. Note: earwigs also eat aphids and mites.
Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm