Earwigs are one of the many destructive pests that will harm your dahlias. In this guide, I will be explaining how to protect dahlias from earwigs.

What Are Earwings?

Earwigs are nocturnal insect pests originating from Europe.¹ While they do eat other dahlia pests such as aphids, they are a threat to dahlias, too.

Identifying Earwig Damage

Like many other dahlia pests, dahlia damage from earwigs looks like damage from snails and slugs. The main difference is damage from earwigs has a trail of slime residue on the leaves.²

Methods to Protect Dahlias from Earwigs

There are a few effective methods to protect dahlias from earwigs. Next, I’m going to cover a few of the most common methods.

How To Protect Dahlias From Earwigs

Ensure your dahlia beds are clear of leaves and debris. Fallen leaves make a great place for earwigs, slugs, snails, and other nuisances to hide under.³

Organza Bags

Organza bags are great for keeping earwigs out of your blooms. They tie similar to a draw bag. The 10×14″ size works well for larger (many say “dinnerplate”) sized dahlias.

Vaseline

Smearing petroleum jelly on the stems and leaves of your dahlias plants can help protect them. Earwigs won’t be able to move past the jelly.

Sluggo Plus

Sluggo plus works well to protect dahlias from earwigs. Apply the granules around or near your dahlia plants. Application is most effective when the soil is moist.

Bayer/BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease, and Mite Control

Another way to protect your dahlias from earwigs is using Bayer/BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease, and Mite Control. As a pesticide, it’s important to keep in mind that this product can harm and kill beneficial insects such as bees.

Sevin-5

You can use products such as Sevin-5 to dust or spray your dahlias. Earwigs will chew on the blooms of your dahlias if not controlled.⁴ Like with all pesticides, it’s important to be mindful that they can harm and kill beneficial insects such as bees.

Your Environment

If you can, transforming the dahlia section of your garden into a sunny, open area helps keep away earwigs.⁵ Earwigs like dark, moist environments and are more attracted to shady areas.

In Conclusion

Like most dahlia pests, earwigs are stopped most effectively through preventative measures. Additionally spraying throughout the season can help a lot, as well.

Are you using a method I haven’t covered in this guide? Please drop a comment below. Have you tried one of these methods? How has it worked out? I would love to hear from you!

Sources:

• Pests in Gardens and Landscapes “Earwigs,” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources.
• Earwigs “How to Get Rid of Earwigs (or ‘Pincher Bugs’),” Almanac
• “Bugs On Dahlia Plants: How To Get Rid Of Insects That Like Dahlias,” Gardening Know How.
• “Growing Guide,” Swan Island Dahlias
• “How to Treat a Dahlia that has Pincher Bugs,” SFGATE