Earwigs are common nocturnal insects that frequently inhabit gardens and landscapes. While they feed on decaying matter and small pests, a dense population can quickly become a nuisance for gardeners. Natural, plant-based solutions offer an effective way to manage these insects without chemical interventions. Specific plants emit compounds known to deter earwigs, helping to protect vulnerable crops.
Why Earwigs Are a Garden Concern
Gardeners seek to repel earwigs because of the distinctive damage they inflict on various plants. These pests emerge at night to feed, chewing irregular holes into soft plant tissues, which ruins the appearance and health of foliage. Tender young seedlings are particularly susceptible and may be completely decimated overnight.
Earwigs also target soft fruits, creating shallow gouges or holes in ripe strawberries, raspberries, and apricots. Ornamental flowers, such as dahlias, zinnias, and roses, often show chewed petals. They can also damage corn by feeding on the silk, which prevents proper pollination and results in poorly developed kernels.
Specific Plants That Deter Earwigs
Many plants naturally repel earwigs by producing volatile aromatic compounds that the insects find offensive. These chemical defenses are concentrated in the leaves or stems of strongly scented herbs and certain flowering plants. The goal is to discourage earwigs from settling in areas where they might feed on desirable garden residents.
Mint varieties, including peppermint and spearmint, contain high levels of menthol and essential oils that act as potent insect deterrents. The strong aroma released by the crushed leaves or root systems signals to earwigs that the area is not a welcoming habitat. Basil’s robust, spicy scent also repels various insects, making it a valuable addition near susceptible vegetables.
Catnip is an effective repellent due to the presence of nepetalactone, a compound known to deter a wide range of insects, including earwigs. Planting clumps of Catnip strategically establishes a chemical barrier against these pests. Tansy, a perennial herb with button-like yellow flowers, also contains strong aromatic compounds that repel earwigs, though it should be planted with caution due to its potential invasiveness.
Garlic is effective because it releases sulfur compounds, which many insects find repellent. Planting garlic cloves throughout the garden provides a broad-spectrum deterrent that works both above and below the soil surface. Wormwood, with its silvery foliage and bitter scent, also contains chemical components that repel earwigs and can be used to create a strongly scented perimeter defense.
Strategic Placement for Maximum Effect
Effective earwig control relies on selecting the correct plants and their strategic placement within the garden landscape. Concentrating repellent plants in key areas, instead of scattering them sparsely, maximizes the release of deterring volatile compounds. This technique is often integrated into companion planting, where plants are placed near one another for mutual benefit.
Planting deterrent herbs directly adjacent to vulnerable crops, such as tender lettuce or soft fruits, helps mask the appealing scent of the target plant. A border of dense Mint or Garlic around a strawberry patch creates a protective perimeter that earwigs are less likely to cross. Density matters, as a strong concentration of the repellent scent is necessary to overcome the attraction of the food source.
Using potted deterrent plants offers flexibility, allowing placement near entry points, like doors, decks, or the bases of fruit trees. Placing a ring of an aromatic herb, such as Basil, around the base of a young tree helps prevent earwigs from climbing the trunk to feed on ripening fruit. This method creates a localized, high-intensity zone of repellent scent where pests are most likely to congregate or travel.