Earwig Repellent Plants: Keep Your Garden Safe and Beautiful!

Avoiding Earwigs in Your Garden

If you're like most gardeners, you've probably had to deal with earwigs at some point. These insects are more than just a nuisance – they can actually damage plants by chewing on leaves, flowers, and stems. Fortunately, there are several plants that can help keep earwigs away from your garden. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best earwig repellent plants and how to use them effectively.

The Best Plants to Repel Earwigs

Here are some of the most effective plants for repelling earwigs:

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that is known for its ability to repel a variety of insects, including earwigs. The strong scent of lavender is unpleasant to earwigs, so planting it around your garden can help keep them away. Not only will you enjoy the lovely scent of lavender, but you'll also have fewer pests to deal with!

Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is another plant that is effective at repelling earwigs. The bright yellow or orange flowers of calendula are not only beautiful, but they also emit a scent that is unpleasant to earwigs. Planting calendula around the perimeter of your garden can create a natural barrier that will discourage earwigs from entering.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are a popular fall flower that is also effective at repelling earwigs. The pyrethrin in chrysanthemums is toxic to many insects, including earwigs. Planting mums around your garden can help keep earwigs and other pests at bay.

Garlic

Garlic is not only a flavorful addition to many dishes – it's also an effective insect repellent! Planting garlic around your garden can help repel earwigs, as well as other pests like aphids and spider mites. Plus, you'll have fresh garlic to use in your cooking!

Thyme

Thyme is a fragrant herb that is often used in cooking, but it's also effective at repelling earwigs. The strong scent of thyme is unpleasant to earwigs, so planting it around your garden can help keep them away. Plus, you'll have a ready supply of fresh thyme for your culinary creations!

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a colorful and easy-to-grow flower that is also effective at repelling earwigs. The pungent scent of nasturtiums is unpleasant to earwigs, so planting them around your garden can help keep these pests away. Plus, the flowers and leaves of nasturtiums are edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish.

How to Use Earwig Repellent Plants

Now that you know which plants are effective at repelling earwigs, it's important to know how to use them effectively. Here are some tips:

Plant them around the perimeter of your garden

One of the most effective ways to use earwig repellent plants is to plant them around the perimeter of your garden. This creates a natural barrier that will discourage earwigs from entering.

Interplant them with your other plants

Another way to use earwig repellent plants is to interplant them with your other plants. This can help create a natural barrier that will discourage earwigs from chewing on your plants.

Crush the leaves

If you're dealing with a particularly bad earwig infestation, you can try crushing the leaves of earwig repellent plants and scattering them around your garden. The strong scent of the crushed leaves can help repel earwigs and other pests.

Other Ways to Control Earwigs

While planting earwig repellent plants is an effective way to control these pests, there are also other methods you can use:

Remove hiding places

Earwigs like to hide in dark, moist places during the day, so removing their hiding places can help control their population. This includes removing rocks, debris, and mulch from your garden.

Use traps

You can also use traps to catch and remove earwigs from your garden. One effective trap is a rolled-up newspaper – simply roll up a newspaper and place it in your garden at night. In the morning, shake out any earwigs that have crawled inside.

Use insecticides

If all else fails, you can use insecticides to control earwigs. However, be sure to choose an insecticide that is safe for your plants and follow the instructions carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are earwigs harmful to humans?

A: While earwigs are not harmful to humans, they can give a painful pinch if they feel threatened.

Q: Do earwigs eat vegetables?

A: Yes, earwigs will eat a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

Q: Are earwig repellent plants safe for pets?

A: While earwig repellent plants are generally safe for pets, some plants can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Be sure to research each plant before planting it in your garden.

Q: Can earwigs fly?

A: No, earwigs cannot fly. They move around by crawling.

Q: How do I know if I have an earwig infestation?

A: You may notice chewed leaves, flowers, or stems on your plants, as well as small fecal pellets that look like black pepper.