Peach: Earwigs
categories: Peach Peach Insects Tree Fruits
revision date: 2024-06-15 12:07
Photo by: M. Bush
Biology
Earwigs are reddish-brown insects about 3⁄4 inch or less in length. Both males and females have pincers at the rear end. Earwigs are largely beneficial, feeding on many pests such as aphids, mites, and nematodes, as well as on algae, fungi, and decaying plant material. However, earwigs can also damage plants. They sometimes feed on flowers, shoot tips, leaves, or fruit. Damaged shoot tips may fail to develop properly, sometimes stunting growth. Damaged leaves exhibit small to large holes. Fruit damage consists of shallow, irregular areas chewed into the surface.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Rolled newspapers or flat boards placed beneath trees can serve both as monitoring devices and as traps for earwigs, which prefer narrow, enclosed hiding places.
- Remove tree wraps, which may provide shelter for earwigs.
- Banding tree trunks with plastic wrap covered with sticky adhesive can prevent earwigs from moving into the tree canopy.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Apply spray around the trunk.
- Allow three days prior to harvest. Read the label instructions carefully.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.
Additional Images
Photo by: M. Bush
Photo by: J.F. Brunner