Plant Problem Diagnostic
Earwigs: Damage and Management
The short answer
Earwigs feed at night and chew small, irregular holes in the leaves and flowers of tender young plants, leaving a ragged appearance that resembles slug damage. Favored plants include dahlias, zinnias, marigolds, lettuce, strawberry, and seedlings. However, earwigs are omnivores that also eat aphids and other pests, so they are beneficial in some situations and often do not need to be managed.
When they are causing real harm, start with trapping and habitat changes rather than sprays. Set out simple traps in the evening (rolled damp newspaper, or a shallow can with a bit of oil) and empty them in the morning, and remove damp hiding places like dense mulch, debris, and weeds near plants. Reserve insecticides for persistent problems, and follow the label.
How to tell it is earwigs
Damage shows up as numerous small, irregular holes chewed in leaves and petals, much like slug feeding, but without the slime trails. Earwigs hide in dark, moist places by day and feed at night, so you may need to check after dark to catch them in the act.
- Ragged, small holes in tender leaves, flowers, and seedlings
- Damage at night; insects hide in damp cover by day
- Favored plants include dahlias, zinnias, marigolds, lettuce, and strawberry
Trapping and habitat control
- 1Trap — In the evening, set out rolled damp newspaper, a cardboard tube, or a shallow can with a little oil; collect and dispose of trapped earwigs each morning.
- 2Reduce hiding spots — Clear away thick mulch, groundcovers, weeds, and debris near affected plants, and keep a drier zone around foundations.
- 3Barrier — For fruit trees, a sticky band around the trunk can keep earwigs from climbing to feed.
Remember they are often beneficial
Because earwigs also prey on aphids and other soft-bodied pests, they do not need to be controlled in many gardens. Weigh the damage against their benefits before treating, and if you do use an insecticide, choose a product labeled for the site and follow the label.
✔ Trapping and cleanup usually solve earwig problems without insecticides, and they spare the earwigs that are eating your aphids.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- UMN Extension — Earwigs — Earwig feeding damage, ragged holes, habitat and trapping guidance, omnivorous and beneficial in some cases.
- Colorado State University Extension — European Earwigs — Favored plants, damage resembles slug feeding, trapping methods, sticky bands, earwigs feed on aphids and are beneficial.
- UC IPM — Earwigs (Home and Landscape) — Trapping, habitat modification, and least-toxic management of earwigs.