Earwigs, or forticula, are small brown insects with elongated, flattened bodies from which two small, curved pincers emerge. Despite their bad reputation, they feed mainly on leaves and flowers, but also on larvae, aphids and slug eggs. In this way, they contribute to the elimination of garden pests.

To increase the effectiveness of the intervention, it’s best to get the whole neighborhood involved, starting in the spring, by applying different techniques.

• Tilling the soil will reduce the chances of survival of young eggs exposed on the surface.
• Prune back your garden plants and clear the areas around your house foundations of mulch or other organic debris where earwigs might take refuge.
• Make sure that all outside taps are in good condition and that there are no water leaks. Downspout drains should also be directed away from the foundation.
• Be sure to remove all decomposing matter from your property, such as dead leaves, grass clippings, weeds or old, damp wood.
• If you have a vegetable garden, start it as early as possible so that your shoots are strong enough when the larvae emerge in June.
• When your fruit and vegetables are ripe, remove them quickly. Once damaged, they will quickly attract earwigs.
• When you bring vegetables or flowers into the house, make sure there are no earwigs hiding behind their leaves and, if necessary, dislodge them.

Too complicated for you? We understand, trust the experts at cVert to help you.

REQUEST A QUOTE

The best way to discover the real culprits behind garden damage is to inspect the area at night with a flashlight. Earwigs aren’t always the only culprits.

• Knowing that earwigs prefer dark, narrow places, it’s possible to install earwig traps in specific locations.
• Place rolled-up pieces of corrugated cardboard vertically, and hold them in place with a rubber band.
• Place pots filled with moist newspaper upside down and raise them with a stone so that the earwigs can climb inside.
• Lay out short sections of garden hose or hollow bamboo canes on the ground.
• Bury small sardine canes in the ground up to the edge and place a few spoonfuls of fish oil in them. Earwigs are highly attracted by this smell.
• If you’re using frozen juice containers, keep them unrinsed and fill them two-thirds full of water. Add dishwashing soap, then place them near places where you’ve spotted earwigs.

You should inspect these traps on a regular basis, and remove any earwigs you may have trapped by drowning them in soapy water.

If you can’t get rid of them and want to use an insecticide, use them near your home’s foundations, driveways, fences, shrubs, hedges, ground cover and wood. Be very careful when using these products, and ask your garden center for advice.

If you use a powdered insecticide, cover it with an aluminum board or plate so that children and animals are not exposed to it. Apply in the evening, preferably in early summer. Do not water these areas for at least 48 hours.

Silicon oxide or diatomaceous earth scratches the shell of earwigs, causing them to die. This treatment is not toxic to humans or pets, but care must be taken not to breathe it in.

Pesticides in powder or spray form can be used without fear on infested plants or vegetables. However, care must be taken not to apply them to flowers, as they can be harmful to bees.

To keep earwigs out of your home, pesticides can be applied around windows and doors outdoors with a brush or sprayer. Inside the house, spot treatments can be used near drains, under carpet edges and along baseboards.

If these treatments don’t work, or you’d simply prefer to have the insect treatment carried out by our team, contact cVert and ask about our satisfaction guarantee.

REQUEST A QUOTE