Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a gorgeous ornamental plant that produces vibrant red flowers and fragrant foliage. However, these plants can sometimes be susceptible to earwig infestations which can quickly damage the leaves and flowers. In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting rid of earwigs on autumn sage plants, from identification and prevention to natural remedies and chemical treatments.
What are Earwigs?
Earwigs are small slender insects with distinctive pincer-like appendages on their abdomen. There are over 1,200 species of earwigs, but the European earwig (Forficula auricularia) and the ring-legged earwig (Euborellia annulipes) are the most common garden pests.
Earwigs are omnivorous insects that feed on both living and dead organic matter. They use their pincer-like cerci to capture prey and also to defend themselves At night, earwigs emerge to feed on plant leaves, flowers, vegetables, and ripe fruit. During the day, they seek out dark, moist hiding spots in mulch, compost piles, under rocks, and in lawn thatch
Signs of Earwig Infestation on Autumn Sage
To control an earwig infestation, you first need to confirm their presence. Signs that earwigs may be attacking your autumn sage include:
- Irregular holes in leaves, flowers, and stems
- Ragged chewing damage on foliage
- Presence of earwigs on plant at night
- Earwigs hiding in soil and mulch around plant during day
- Wilted, deformed, or missing flowers
Inspect your autumn sage carefully, especially at night when earwigs are active. If you see signs of damage and live earwigs on the plant, it’s time to take action.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs on Autumn Sage Naturally
For minor infestations, there are several organic and natural methods you can try to get rid of earwigs:
Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of the autumn sage. The sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth will cut and dehydrate the earwigs. Reapply after rain or irrigation.
Trapping
Place rolled up damp newspaper, cardboard tubes stuffed with straw, or upturned flower pots near infested plants. Earwigs will take shelter there during the day. Collect and dispose of the earwigs in soapy water.
Essential Oils
Spray autumn sage with essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree oil, or neem oil to deter earwigs with their strong scent.
Encourage Natural Predators
Attract beneficial predatory insects like big-eyed bugs, centipedes, spiders, and ground beetles to feed on earwigs. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill these predators. Plant flowers that attract the predators.
Remove Hiding Spots
Eliminate excess mulch, leaf litter, and weeds around autumn sage. Replace mulch with gravel to reduce moist habitat.
When to Use Insecticides Against Earwigs
For severe earwig infestations, insecticidal sprays or baits may be necessary:
-
Carbaryl is a commonly used broad-spectrum insecticide. Apply as directed on the label.
-
Pyrethrins derived from chrysanthemum flowers have low toxicity. Spray in evenings when earwigs are active.
-
Insecticidal soap will suffocate and kill earwigs. Treat plants weekly.
-
Spinosad bait attracts earwigs which then die after consuming it. Scatter granules around plants.
Always follow label directions carefully when using insecticides. Avoid applying them during daytime when pollinators are active. Repeated applications may be needed for full control.
Preventing Future Earwig Infestations
Once you’ve eliminated existing earwigs, there are several things you can do to help prevent future infestations:
-
Remove weeds, groundcover, and dense vegetation near autumn sage
-
Prune autumn sage regularly to open up interior and eliminate hiding spots
-
Allow soil around plants to dry out between waterings
-
Replace moist mulch with gravel or landscape fabric
-
Apply diatomaceous earth or beneficial nematodes preventatively
-
Monitor plants closely and take quick action at first signs of earwigs
Earwigs can quickly damage autumn sage if populations explode. Monitor your plants carefully, especially at night, and be prepared to take action at the first sign of leaf damage. Combine natural remedies like traps, oils, and diatomaceous earth with insecticides for serious infestations. Eliminate moist hiding places in your garden and attract predators to help keep earwig populations in check going forward. With diligence and an integrated pest management approach, you can protect your autumn sage from earwig damage.
Fungus Gnats and Fruit Flies
Tiny flies near your plant? Likely fungus gnats or fruit flies. These pests love wet soil. Their larvae munch on roots, so let the soil dry out to crash their underground party. Sticky traps can snag the adults, but its the wriggly babies you need to worry about.
Mealybugs and Aphids
Notice a cottony mess? Mealybugs are making themselves at home. These fluffy fiends suck sap and weaken your Autumn Sage. And if you spot clusters of tiny insects, those are aphids. Theyre like miniature vampires for plants, draining them of nutrients.
If a cloud of tiny insects erupts from your plant when you touch it, youve got whiteflies. These pests are like unwanted confetti, fluttering about and feeding off your plant. Theyre hard to miss once they get going, so watch for their disturbance dance.
How to Prune Salvia to Get Continuous Blooms!! Learned this by Accident! My Selective Pruning Method
FAQ
How to remove earwigs from plants?
What do earwigs hate the most?
What causes earwigs in plants?
Are earwigs bad for potted plants?
How do I get rid of earwigs in my garden?
Oil pit traps are a great remedy for earwigs. Combine equal parts soy sauce and olive or vegetable oil, put it in a small plastic container, and secure the lid. Punch holes in the top of the container, near the lid. Make the holes large enough for the earwigs to get in. Bury the container in the soil just up to the holes.
How do you catch earwigs in a garden?
Adults overwinter under garden debris, stones, and boards as well as in soil. To trap earwigs, you can fill cat food cans (or other similar cans) with ¼ inch of oil (preferably fish oil) and sink them into the ground near plants.
Do earwigs damage garden crops?
A large earwig infestation can damage garden crops. As a result, it is necessary that you get rid of them if you spot many of these pests. Earwigs (pincher bugs) fall into the insect order Dermaptera [ 1 ]. They are found everywhere but Antarctica because they can’t handle the cold. They are dark brown to reddish-brown and have long, flat bodies.
How do you get earwigs out of a container?
Punch holes in the top of the container, near the lid. Make the holes large enough for the earwigs to get in. Bury the container in the soil just up to the holes. The soy sauce will attract the earwigs, and the oil will prevent them from escaping.