👂 Earwig
Forficula auricularia
Pincer-butted night owl that has never once crawled into anyone's ear.
How to identify
Dark brown, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, with unmistakable forceps-like pincers on the rear — curved in males, straighter in females. They hide in damp, dark places by day and come out at night, which is why you only ever see them when you lift a pot.
Damage signs
Chews ragged holes in soft leaves, flower petals, and seedlings; also nibbles soft fruit like strawberries and apricots. Ironically they also eat aphids and mites, so small numbers are actually helpful.
Non-chemical controls
- Set oil traps: sink a tuna can filled with half an inch of vegetable oil (plus a splash of soy sauce) at soil level — earwigs crawl in and can't climb out.
- Roll damp newspaper into tubes and leave overnight; in the morning, shake the hiding earwigs into soapy water.
- Eliminate daytime hiding spots: clear mulch away from stems, fix leaky hoses, and space plants for airflow — dry gardens bore earwigs.
- Ring vulnerable plants with diatomaceous earth, reapplying after rain.
- Handpick at night with a flashlight — they're slow and the pincers can't hurt you.
Nerdy fact: Earwigs are among the rare insects that show maternal care — mothers guard their eggs and even feed their newly hatched nymphs. Creepy pincers, surprisingly wholesome parenting.
Still not sure this is your culprit? What’s Eating My Plant? narrows the suspects from what you actually see on the plant.