When it comes to household pests, earwigs are one of the most common and most feared. They have a reputation for nesting in dark, damp places, and they often make their way into homes and gardens, where they feed on plants and insects. But what do earwigs really eat? In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the diet of earwigs and explore how to reduce their presence in your garden.
What is an Earwig?
Earwigs are small, insect-like creatures that belong to the order Dermaptera. They are easily identified by their long, slender bodies and forceps-like pincers located at the end of their abdomens. They range in size from about 5 to 25 millimeters in length, and they come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and reddish-brown. Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer to hide in dark, damp places, such as rotting logs, mulch, and leaf litter.
Earwig Habitat and Diet
Earwigs are found in many parts of the world, from North America to Europe and Asia. They are typically found in moist, shady areas, such as gardens and wooded areas. Earwigs feed on a variety of different food sources, including plants, insects, and decaying organic matter.
What Do Earwigs Eat?
Earwigs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They are also opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat whatever food is available to them. Some of the most common foods they eat include:
Earwigs and Plants
Earwigs are known to feed on a variety of different plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and even grass. They are especially fond of soft or succulent plants, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. They may also nibble on the leaves of other plants, such as roses and marigolds.
Earwigs and Insects
In addition to plants, earwigs also feed on insects and other small creatures. They are known to eat aphids, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects. They may also feed on the eggs and larvae of other insects.
Earwigs and Decaying Organic Matter
Earwigs are also known to feed on decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves and wood. They may also feed on fungi and other microorganisms.
Do Earwigs Prefer Certain Types of Food?
It is not known if earwigs prefer certain types of food over others, but they do seem to have a preference for soft, succulent plants. Earwigs may also be attracted to certain types of food, such as fruits and vegetables, due to their sweet smell or taste.
Does Earwig Diet Vary by Region?
Earwigs may have different diets depending on the region they inhabit. For example, in some regions, earwigs may feed mainly on plants and insects, while in other regions, they may feed on decaying organic matter.
How to Reduce Earwigs in Your Garden
The best way to reduce earwigs in your garden is to eliminate sources of food and shelter. Remove piles of leaves and debris, and trim back the vegetation in your garden. You can also use traps or baits to attract and kill earwigs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, earwigs are common household pests that feed on a variety of different food sources, including plants, insects, and decaying organic matter. They may have different diets depending on the region they inhabit, and they may be attracted to certain types of food, such as fruits and vegetables. The best way to reduce earwigs in your garden is to eliminate sources of food and shelter.
If you’re wondering what do earwigs eat, now you know! Keep these tips in mind and you can keep earwigs away from your garden and home.
If you have a serious pest problem, Recon Pest Services is here for you. Servicing the greater Omaha & Lincoln areas, we can handle any common pest issue. Contact us today for a free quote!
