European Earwigs Fact Sheet

Earwigs in the medium and high rainfall zones

European earwigs have emerged as a pest of increasing significance in the past five to ten years as a result

of changes in farming practices.

Key points

• ––Minimum and no-till farming practices have been linked to an increase in earwig populations.
• ––Earwigs attack mainly canola but also cereals, lupins and some legume crops.
• ––Not all earwig species are pests – some are beneficial for integrated pest management.
• ––Monitoring for earwigs should occur at night as they are nocturnal.
• ––Minimise the risk of introducing earwigs to a property by ensuring all machinery, vehicles and equipment are clean.
• ––Reducing stubble retention and decreasing refuges are likely to be the most effective strategies for managing populations.

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Region South, North

• 4.19 mbFINAL HR GRDC Earwigs Fact Sheet pdf
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