How To Keep Earwigs Out Of A Vegetable Garden

10 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Earwigs in the Garden Earwigs, Getting from www.pinterest.com

Earwigs are a common garden pest that can cause major damage to a vegetable garden if left unchecked. They are especially attracted to the tender, juicy leaves of many vegetables, and their voracious appetite can quickly destroy a garden’s bounty. Luckily, there are several ways to keep earwigs away from your vegetable garden, so you can keep your garden healthy and productive.

Mulch Your Garden

Mulching your vegetable garden is one of the best ways to keep earwigs out. Mulch acts as a barrier that prevents earwigs from getting to the plants, as well as keeps the soil moist and helps suppress weed growth. The best types of mulch to use are organic mulches, such as wood chips, straw, or hay. Avoid using synthetic mulches, as these can often attract earwigs.

Keep Your Garden Clean

Earwigs are attracted to moist, dark places, so it is important to keep your vegetable garden free of debris. Remove any dead or dying plants, weeds, and other debris, as these can provide hiding places for earwigs. Additionally, keep your garden well-weeded, and water only as needed. Over-watering can create a moist environment that attracts earwigs.

Create Barriers Around Your Garden

Creating a physical barrier around your garden is another effective way to keep earwigs out. Try using a double layer of newspaper or a row of screening around the perimeter of the garden. You can also create a barrier of copper or aluminum foil around your plants, as earwigs do not like to crawl over these materials. Finally, you can use diatomaceous earth to create a protective barrier around your garden, as it will kill any earwigs that come in contact with it.

Set Up Traps

Earwig traps are a great way to reduce the number of earwigs in your garden. These traps are usually made of plastic or cardboard, and they contain a small amount of bait, such as cornmeal or oatmeal. The earwigs are attracted to the bait and then become trapped inside the container. Be sure to check the traps regularly and empty them when full.

Encourage Natural Predators

Encouraging natural predators to visit your garden is also a good way to keep earwigs away. Birds, frogs, toads, and other natural predators feed on earwigs, so attracting them to your garden will help keep the earwig population in check. You can attract these predators by providing bird feeders, installing a bat box, or planting flowers that attract beneficial insects.

Use Insecticides

Insecticides can be used as a last resort to control earwigs in a vegetable garden. Before using any insecticides, be sure to read and follow the directions on the label. Choose an insecticide that is labeled as safe for use in vegetable gardens, and avoid using any insecticides that are toxic to beneficial insects. Additionally, be sure to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask, when applying any insecticides.

Conclusion

Earwigs can be a troublesome pest in a vegetable garden, but with a few simple strategies, you can keep them away. Mulching your garden, keeping it clean, and creating barriers are all effective ways to keep earwigs away. Additionally, setting up traps, encouraging natural predators, and using insecticides can help reduce the number of earwigs in your garden. With a bit of planning and some patience, you can keep your vegetable garden healthy and productive.