Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia): A beneficial insect in the garden

Key facts at a glance

• The common earwig (Forficula auricularia) is a predatory beneficial insect that helps control aphids, mites, and insect eggs.
• It is nocturnal and spends the day in dark, damp hiding spots such as deadwood, leaf litter, or flower pots.
• Any damage to ripe fruit or blossoms is usually negligible and only occurs when food is scarce or population densities are very high.
• You can encourage them to settle in your garden by providing natural structures like log piles and avoiding pesticides.

An ecological helper in the night

In July, when temperatures rise and insect activity reaches its peak, the common earwig (Forficula auricularia) begins its main period of pest-control activity. Many gardeners view these insects with suspicion, as myths persist about supposed damage to plants or health risks to humans. Biologically speaking, however, they are generalists that play a vital role in biological pest control.

Their ecological importance is rooted in their varied diet. While we sleep, these insects roam the vegetation, effectively reducing populations of aphids and other soft-bodied plant pests. Unlike insecticides, which can harm a wide range of species, this beneficial insect acts specifically in the areas of your garden that need it most.

Their role in the garden ecosystem

The common earwig (Forficula auricularia) exhibits complex behaviour. Although it is an omnivore that also feeds on organic debris and fungal spores, its predatory nature makes it a valuable asset to your garden. The table below illustrates the range of their nocturnal foraging.

How to encourage earwigs in your garden

Since the common earwig (Forficula auricularia) relies on damp daytime hiding spots to prevent dehydration, the design of your garden is crucial for encouraging them to settle. Follow these steps to promote a stable population:

1. Create structures: Leave deadwood or piles of stones in your flower beds. These provide the necessary cavities.
2. Mulch with leaves: Leave layers of leaves under shrubs. They act as moisture reservoirs and provide habitat.
3. Provide hiding places: Place upturned terracotta pots, loosely filled with wood wool, near infested plants to provide shelter.
4. Avoid pesticides: Avoid the use of insecticides entirely. Chemical agents kill beneficial insects and lead to further destabilisation of natural pest regulation.
5. Encourage diversity: A high diversity of plant species ensures a sufficient food supply is always available, which minimises the likelihood of the insects feeding on your ornamental or food crops.

By providing these small-scale habitats, you can integrate the common earwig (Forficula auricularia) into your private ecosystem without having to actively intervene in natural processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do earwigs eat my plants?

Usually not. They prefer aphids. Only in cases of food scarcity or extremely high population densities might they nibble on ripe fruit or blossoms.

How do I specifically attract earwigs to my garden?

Provide them with daytime hiding spots such as upturned terracotta pots filled with wood wool, or leave deadwood and leaf litter in your beds.