The Struggles of Wasps in Dealing with Earwigs

Wasps are known for their aggressive behavior and their ability to sting, but they also play an important role in controlling the population of other insects. One insect that wasps have a difficult time dealing with is the earwig. Earwigs are small, brown insects with long antennae and pincers on their tails. They can be found in gardens, under rocks or logs, and even in homes. While earwigs do not pose a threat to humans, they can cause damage to plants and crops.

In this article, we will discuss the struggles that wasps face when dealing with earwigs and what can be done to help them.

The Problem with Earwigs

Earwigs are nocturnal insects that feed on plants, flowers, and other insects. They are known for their hard exoskeletons and their ability to hide in small crevices. This makes them difficult for wasps to catch and kill. Wasps rely on their stingers to immobilize their prey, but earwigs have a tough outer shell that protects them from stings.

Another challenge that wasps face when dealing with earwigs is their pincers. Earwig pincers are sharp and can easily injure a wasp if it tries to attack them head-on. This is why wasps typically avoid going after earwigs altogether.

How Wasps Deal with Earwigs

Despite the challenges that earwigs pose, wasps have developed some strategies for dealing with them. One approach is to wait until the earwig is vulnerable before attacking it. Wasps will often wait until an earwig is molting or has just molted, as this is when they are most vulnerable due to their soft exoskeletons.

Another strategy that wasps use is to attack the earwig from behind. By approaching the earwig from behind, wasps can avoid its pincers and sting it in a vulnerable spot.

Helping Wasps Control Earwigs

While wasps are capable of dealing with earwigs on their own, there are steps that can be taken to help them control the population of earwigs. One approach is to create a habitat for wasps in your garden. This can be done by planting flowers that attract wasps, such as marigolds or sweet alyssum.

Another way to help wasps is to provide them with a source of water. Wasps need water to survive, and providing them with a shallow dish of water can encourage them to stay in your garden and hunt for insects like earwigs.

Finally, it is important to avoid using pesticides in your garden. Pesticides can kill beneficial insects like wasps and disrupt the natural balance of your garden ecosystem.

Conclusion

While wasps may struggle with dealing with earwigs, they play an important role in controlling the population of other insects. By understanding the challenges that wasps face and taking steps to help them, we can ensure that they continue to thrive and keep our gardens healthy.

FAQ

Q: Are earwigs harmful to humans?

A: No, earwigs do not pose a threat to humans. They are not venomous and do not spread disease.

Q: Can wasps control the population of all insects?

A: No, wasps are most effective at controlling the population of soft-bodied insects like caterpillars, aphids, and flies.

Q: Are there any other ways to help wasps besides creating a habitat and providing water?

A: Yes, you can also avoid using chemical insecticides in your garden and leave some areas of your garden un-mulched to provide nesting sites for wasps.