My garden has been invaded. They seem to have shown up practically overnight and are eating all my favorite plants and flowers. The dreaded earwig, better known in my family as a pinch bug. I can’t stand them, they give me the creeps. I am trying several ‘natural’ remedies before I resort to insecticides. After trimming out the majority of damaged and dying foliage my first experiment is going to be shallow dishes of olive or vegetable oil near the worst infestations. The nasty creatures are nocturnal so the idea is that they will come out at night and crawl into the oil and not be able to crawl out. Another option is to use beer instead of oil, they are attracted to the fermented beverage and drown. Empty cat food or tuna cans work great for this. Water, soap and a little baking soda mixed in a spray bottle may help, but this has to be used sparingly as too much baking soda may kill the plants. Some garden centers sell sticky traps for the earwigs and other pests. If none of these work I will be breaking out the Sevin, I really hope it doesn’t come to that. In the mean time, I will also work to attract more of the insects natural enemy; birds and frogs by providing shelter. Cool and damp little frog hideaways can be made by propping up a board on rocks or laying a terra cotta pot on its side nestled under your plants. Hang a few bird houses and a feeder to invite the birds to move in. Once the birds and frogs have made their home, the bug population will be reduced tremendously.
My beautiful hollyhocks look so sad.
Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits ~Psalm 103:2
