As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confirm that earwigs can indeed eat zinnias. These pesky insects have a reputation for causing damage to various types of flowers, and zinnias are no exception. In addition to zinnias, they can also cause harm to other flowers such as marigolds and dahlias.
To determine if earwigs are the culprits behind the damage to your zinnias, I would suggest conducting a nighttime observation. Grab a flashlight and head out to your garden after dark. This is when earwigs are most active, so it’s the perfect time to catch them in action. Look closely at the zinnias and surrounding plants to see if you can spot any earwigs feeding on the flowers.
In my personal experience, I have encountered earwigs damaging zinnias in my garden. I remember going out one evening with a flashlight and noticing these small, brown insects crawling around the flowers. They were particularly attracted to the petals and would chew on them, causing unsightly damage. It was disheartening to see my beautiful zinnias being eaten by these pests.
When it comes to dealing with earwigs, there are a few strategies you can try. Here are some options:
1. Traps: One effective method is to set up traps to catch the earwigs. You can create a simple trap by placing a shallow container, such as a tuna can, filled with vegetable oil or soapy water near the affected plants. Earwigs are attracted to the smell and will crawl into the container, where they will drown. Check the traps regularly and empty them as needed.
2. Natural predators: Another approach is to encourage natural predators that feed on earwigs. This could include birds, toads, or beneficial insects like ground beetles. Creating a diverse and welcoming habitat for these creatures can help keep the earwig population in check.
3. Diatomaceous earth: Dusting the affected plants with food-grade diatomaceous earth can be effective in controlling earwigs. This powdery substance contains microscopic, sharp-edged particles that damage the insects’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for proper application.
4. Remove hiding places: Earwigs tend to hide in dark, moist areas during the day. By cleaning up debris, mulch, and other hiding spots around your garden, you can minimize their habitat and make it less appealing for them to stick around.
5. Handpicking: If the infestation is not severe, you can manually remove the earwigs from the plants by hand. This can be a time-consuming task but can be effective for smaller gardens or individual plants.
It’s important to note that while earwigs can be a nuisance, they are not typically a major threat to the overall health of your garden. With some patience and persistence, you can effectively manage their population and protect your zinnias and other flowers from their munching ways.
