Description
This insect is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom
and Europe. The adult is approximately 15mm in length, has a
reddish brown body and is characterised by forceps or pincers which
protrude from the end of its abdomen.
Biology and Habitat
Earwigs live primarily outdoors scavenging on both live and dead
animal and plant material. They are commonly found in burrows under
vegetable debris and crevices in walls particularly in mid summer
and will normally only enter buildings towards autumn in search of
protection from the cold weather.
The female lays batches of around thirty eggs just below the
soil surface which, after hatching, develop in a series of four to
six nymphal stages. Earwigs are generally nocturnal and although
they do have wings and are capable of flying, rarely do
so.
Importance
Earwigs are of nuisance value only since they neither spread
disease or constitute any risk to health. Indeed, as a predator of
aphids (green fly, etc), they may be considered as beneficial in
horticulture.
Control
Vacuuming regularly in those rooms which have been ‘invaded’
probably represents the most convenient way of dealing with them
indoors.
Repointing brickwork and removing accumulations of vegetable
debris will limit but probably not overcome their presence. The
latter should, therefore, be complemented with the use of a
crawling insect powder suitable for garden application and applied
to those areas most likely to offer harbourage. A good tip is to
sprinkle some powder on small areas of dry earth in the garden then
cover the areas with board, leave for a few days then reapply once
more.
Safety
Before using an insecticide, to protect yourself and others and
to minimise damage to the environment ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE
APPLICATION AND USE INSTRUCTIONS PRINTED ON THE CONTAINER.
