Earwig Predators:
What Bug Eats Earwigs?

Earwigs are a common garden pest that many homeowners and gardeners struggle to control. They are known for their pincers, which they use to defend themselves, and their tendency to eat plants. While earwigs can be a nuisance, there are a variety of predators that can help control their population. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the bugs that eat earwigs.

Spiders

Spiders are natural predators of earwigs. They are often found in the same areas as earwigs and will eat them if they come across them. Spiders are able to catch earwigs in their webs, or they may hunt them down and eat them directly. Some common spiders that feed on earwigs include wolf spiders, cellar spiders, and orb weavers.

Ground Beetles

Ground beetles are another natural predator of earwigs. These beetles are fast-moving and often hunt at night when earwigs are active. They will eat both the adults and the eggs of earwigs, helping to reduce their population. Ground beetles can be attracted to your garden by providing a habitat for them, such as a pile of leaves or logs.

Birds

Birds are also known to eat earwigs. Chickens, in particular, are excellent at controlling earwig populations. They will scratch through the soil looking for insects to eat, including earwigs. Other birds that may eat earwigs include robins, blue jays, and sparrows.

Centipedes

Centipedes are not commonly thought of as garden pests, but they can be helpful in controlling the population of earwigs. These fast-moving predators have long legs with sharp claws that allow them to catch and eat small insects like earwigs. Centipedes prefer moist environments, so they are often found in areas with high humidity.

Ants

Ants are another predator of earwigs. They will attack earwigs and drag them back to their nest to feed their young. While ants may not completely eliminate the earwig population in your garden, they can help to keep them under control.

Praying Mantises

Praying mantises are not commonly found in gardens, but they can be effective at controlling earwigs. These predators have long, thin bodies and powerful front legs that they use to catch and eat insects. Praying mantises are known to eat a variety of insects, including earwigs.

While these bugs are natural predators of earwigs and can help control their population, it’s important to remember that they are also beneficial insects that play an important role in the ecosystem. It’s always best to use natural methods of pest control before resorting to chemical pesticides.

FAQ

How do I attract natural predators to my garden?

Natural predators can be attracted to your garden by providing a habitat for them. This can include leaving piles of leaves or logs on the ground, planting native plants, and avoiding the use of chemical pesticides.

Can I buy natural predators to control earwigs?

There are companies that sell natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings for pest control purposes. However, it’s important to note that releasing non-native species into your garden can have unintended consequences and may not be effective at controlling your particular pest problem.

Are earwigs harmful to humans?

While earwigs may look scary with their pincers, they are not harmful to humans. They do not carry disease and are not known to bite unless provoked.