Earwigs are versatile feeders. Most species are omnivorous and scavengers, and they eat a mix of plant material, decaying matter, and small invertebrates. Key eating habits:
- Plant matter: leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, fruit crops, and tender shoots. They can damage ornamental plants and some crops, particularly in gardens.
- Decaying material: fallen leaves, compost, and other decomposing organic matter, contributing to nutrient cycling.
- Small invertebrates: aphids, mites, caterpillars, other insects, and even other earwigs at times; they can help suppress some pest populations.
- Occasionally seeds and roots: they may chew on roots or seedlings in damp, sheltered environments.
Context tips:
- They’re often nocturnal and hide during the day, which can make monitoring and control in gardens more practical at night or under mulch and debris.
- In homes or damp indoor areas, they may roam looking for moisture and shelter, feeding on available plant matter or decaying material.
If you’d like, I can tailor guidance for a specific setting (home, garden, or greenhouse) and suggest management or prevention strategies.
