Aphids

"In one season the potential descendants of one female aphid contain more substance than 500 million stout men."
- Thomas Henry Huxley

introduction

Aphid Behavior

Aphid Species

Anisolabis maritima
(Maritime Earwig, Seaside Earwig)
Widespread distribution worldwide; occurs along coastlines. Originally from Asia, these Earwigs reach up to 1.2 inches and are grey-black with yellow legs.

Chelisoches morio
(Black Earwig)
These omnivores are common in tropical areas, but are present worldwide. They are jet black, and up to about an inch long.

Doru aculeatum
(Spine-Tailed Earwig)
Found in woods and grassy areas, this species is attracted to outdoor lights at nighttime. Brown body with pale markings.

Doru lineare
(Linear Earwig)
Yellow forewings and reddish-brown bodies. Typically found near water in grasslands and sedges.

Doru taeniatum
(Lined Earwig)
Found in the Americas, with yellow and dark brown bodies.

Euborellia annulipes
(Ringlegged Earwig)
Dark brown to 0.4-1 inch long. Legs pale brown. Dark band around the middle of the femur.

Euborellia cincticollis
(African Earwig)

Forficula auricularia
(European Earwig)
Reddish-brown insects with slender antennae. To 0.6 inches long.

Labia minor
(Lesser Earwig)
To 0.3 inches long, with chocolate brown body and yellow legs and antennae.

Labidura riparia
(Shore Earwig, Tawny Earwig)
These earwigs range from 0.6 to 1.2 inches long, and are tan to reddish brown with various markings. Unpleasant odor when crushed.

Marava arachidis
(Bone-House Earwig)
Found in many areas of the world, these earwigs inhabit the stems of fennel and lay eggs on the leaves.

Marava pulchella
Found in the Caribbean and North America.

Vostox apicedentatus
(Toothed Earwig)
Found in Central America and North America.

Aphids in the garden

Eliminate Hidey Holes
These organisms hide during the day, preferring to spend their time in moist, dark places in the garden. They can be found under the bark of trees or under potted plants or other patio furniture. They also hang out in leaf litter close to the ground and amongst dense groundcovers such as ivy.

Set a Trap
Earwig traps are typically made from old cat food or tuna fish cans filled with about an inch of oil. Fish oil or vegetable oil with a few drops of bacon grease attract the earwigs, who will come to investigate and fall into the oil. These traps are most effective when they are somewhat buried, so that the height of the sides of the can is not too tall for an earwig to scale easily. Hide traps throughout the yard, against fences, near shrubs, or amongst groundcover.

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
Another type of trap commonly used to collect and dispose of earwigs are items that provide earwigs with their desired resting space during the day. This includes rolled up newspapers, bamboo tubes, corrugated cardboard, or a short piece of hose. Place traps on soil near plants that earwigs frequent at dusk, and the next morning, pick up the trap and shake it over a pail of soapy water.

Encourage Natural Enemies
Many organisms eat earwigs as snacks throughout the day, including toads, birds, lizards, and even small mammals. Chickens and ducks, if allowed to roam the garden, will also help to control these critters if they get out of hand. Encouraging these animals to come into the landscape is key in preventing earwig populations from getting out of control.

Defend the Fruits
Earwigs have a proclivity for soft fruits like peaches, and will climb trees to get to them if there aren't any that have dropped to the ground. To discourage this behavior, keep the bases of fruit trees clear of debris and suckers. On the lower trunks of older fruit trees where the bark is beginning to come up, remove the bark so that the earwigs do not have a convenient hiding place to shelter during the day. Trunks of trees can also be treated with sticky substances that trap insects, preventing them from climbing up and reaching the ripening fruit. Earwigs are beneficial in trees, especially when they are feeding on other pest species, so make sure to only take these precautions with your soft fruit trees.

For more non-chemical options and natural pest control methods, consult the Pests and Pest Management page:

Pests & Pest Management