Harmful Effects of European earwig

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Harmful Effects of European earwig

Forficula auricularia

A species of Forficula, Also known as Common or european earwig

European earwig can cause mild to severe damage to gardens and crops by chewing on flowers, fruits, leaves, and stems. Infestations may lead to significant defoliation, reduced crop yields, and decreased marketability, potentially exacerbating plant disease spread and affecting agriculture economically.

What Type of Pest Is European earwig?

Garden and Landscape Pest

Agricultural Pests

Garden and Landscape Pest

Damage Stage

Adults, Nymphs

Host Plants

Ornamental Vegetable, Fruit Tree

Host Plants Organs

Flowers, Fruits, Leaves

Damage Ways

Chew Plant Tissues

Damage Reason

Feeding

Damage Level

Mild to Severe

European earwig pose a threat to gardens by chewing on the flowers, fruits, and leaves of various plants, which can range from mild to severe. They particularly affect vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs. In large numbers, earwigs can cause significant defoliation and damage to plant aesthetics, potentially impacting home gardening and commercial landscaping.

Agricultural Pests

Damage Stage

Adults, Nymphs

Host Plants

Fruit trees, flowers, and vegetables

Host Plants Organs

Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, Stems

Damage Ways

Chew Plant Tissues

Damage Reason

Feeding

Damage Level

Mild to Severe

Adults and nymphs of european earwig non-selectively attack various crops, gnawing on leaves, flowers, fruits, and stems. Mild infestations may cause cosmetic damage, while severe outbreaks can lead to significant crop yield losses. This pest's activity can decrease the marketability of crops and potentially enhance the spread of plant diseases, affecting human agriculture and economy.

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