Plants That Repel Earwigs

Strong-scented herbs like basil, chives, and tansy create natural barriers that earwigs avoid when planted along garden borders. If you are looking for plants that repel earwigs, you have come to the right place. These pests, also known as pincher bugs, can chew holes in your leaves and ruin your flowers overnight.

Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, you can use a simple, natural strategy. By adding specific greenery to your beds, you can make your garden less inviting to these nocturnal nibblers. This guide will show you which plants work best and how to use them effectively.

Understanding Earwig Behavior

Before we talk about the plants, it helps to know why earwigs are in your garden. They are attracted to cool, damp, and dark places. During the day, they hide under mulch, stones, or dense foliage. At night, they come out to feed on decaying matter and tender plants.

Earwigs are not always bad. They eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects. However, when their population explodes, they become a serious problem. They can decimate seedlings and leave ragged edges on your prized hostas.

Your goal is not to eliminate them completely. Instead, you want to create an environment that encourages them to move elsewhere. Planting specific herbs and flowers is the most effective way to do this.

How Scent Deters Pests

Earwigs rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food and shelter. Strong aromatic oils confuse their senses. When you plant fragrant species, you mask the scent of the plants they love to eat.

This is a form of companion planting. It is a time-tested method that uses biodiversity to protect your crops. The strong scents act as a natural repellent, creating a “force field” around your vulnerable plants.

Now, let’s get to the main event. Here is a list of the best plants to add to your garden to keep earwigs away. These are easy to grow and offer multiple benefits, from culinary uses to beautiful blooms.

Herbs With Powerful Aromas

Herbs are your first line of defense. They are hardy, grow quickly, and fill the air with essential oils that earwigs hate.

Basil: This annual herb is a powerhouse. Its strong, spicy scent is pleasant to us but overwhelming to earwigs. Plant it near tomatoes and peppers to protect them.
Chives: The oniony smell of chives is a natural deterrent. They are perennial in many zones, meaning they come back year after year to offer continuous protection.
Tansy: This is a very strong-scented herb. It is so potent that it can be invasive, so consider planting it in a container sunk into the ground to control its spread.
Mint: Peppermint and spearmint are excellent repellents. However, mint is also invasive. Always plant it in a pot to prevent it from taking over your entire garden.
Rosemary: This woody herb has a resinous scent that earwigs avoid. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and is a great addition to herb gardens.
Lavender: While we love the calming scent, earwigs do not. Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil to perform its best.

Flowers That Act As Barriers

Certain flowers are not just pretty; they are functional. They can be used to create a border that earwigs will not cross.

Geraniums: These bright flowers produce a scent that repels many insects. They are especially effective when planted near roses, which earwigs love to attack.
Marigolds: These are the workhorses of the pest-repelling world. They contain a compound called thiophene, which is toxic to nematodes and repels many insects, including earwigs.
Chrysanthemums: These flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide. While it is used to make commercial sprays, the living plant helps deter earwigs from entering the area.
Petunias: These are another great option. They are hardy and produce a sticky sap that can trap small insects, while their scent deters others.

Strategic Placement Is Key

Simply planting these species is not enough. You need to place them strategically to create a protective barrier. Here is a step-by-step guide to using them effectively.

Identify the target: Determine which plants are being damaged the most. This is where you need the most protection.
Create a border: Plant a ring of strong-scented herbs around the perimeter of your garden bed. This creates a “wall” of scent that earwigs are reluctant to cross.
Interplant: Do not just put the repellents on the edges. Mix them in between your vulnerable crops. This confuses the pests and makes it harder for them to find their favorite food.
Use containers: For invasive plants like mint and tansy, use containers. Sink the pots into the soil so the roots are contained, but the scent is still released.
Crush the leaves: To release more of the essential oils, gently crush a few leaves of the herbs every few days. This intensifies the scent and makes the barrier stronger.

Additional Natural Deterrents

While plants are your primary tool, you can combine them with other methods for a comprehensive approach. This ensures you tackle the problem from multiple angles.

Diatomaceous Earth

This is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. It is sharp on a microscopic level. When earwigs crawl over it, it cuts their exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Sprinkle a thin layer around the base of your plants. Make sure to reapply it after it rains, as it loses its effectiveness when wet. It is safe for pets and humans but deadly to insects.

Traps

You can also create simple traps to reduce the population. Earwigs are attracted to damp, dark places. You can use this against them.

Rolled newspaper: Dampen a newspaper and roll it up. Secure it with a rubber band and place it in the garden overnight. In the morning, shake the earwigs that have gathered inside into a bucket of soapy water.
Oil pits: Fill a small container with soy sauce and vegetable oil. Bury it in the soil so the rim is level with the ground. Earwigs will crawl in and drown.
Cardboard: Lay flat pieces of cardboard on the soil. Earwigs will hide under them during the day. You can then pick up the cardboard and dispose of the pests.

Habitat Modification

Earwigs thrive in moist environments. By changing your garden habits, you can make it less hospitable for them.

Water in the morning: This allows the soil to dry out during the day, removing the damp hiding spots earwigs need.
Remove debris: Clear away leaf litter, mulch piles, and other organic debris where they like to hide.
Create space: Thin out dense plantings to improve air circulation. This helps the soil dry out faster.
Use gravel: Place a barrier of dry gravel or wood ash around your plants. The dry, gritty texture is unpleasant for earwigs to cross.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even with the best intentions, gardeners often make mistakes that render their efforts useless. Here are a few things to watch out for.

First, do not rely on just one plant. A single basil plant in a large garden will not do much. You need a substantial number of repellent plants to create a noticeable effect. Aim for a dense border.

Second, do not neglect the soil. If you have heavy, wet soil, earwigs will thrive. Improve drainage by adding compost and organic matter. This will help the soil dry out and make it less attractive to pests.

Third, do not ignore the nighttime. Earwigs are nocturnal. If you only inspect your garden during the day, you will not see the extent of the damage. Go out at night with a flashlight to see them in action and identify their hiding spots.

When To Use Chemical Controls

In severe infestations, natural methods might not be enough. If you see hundreds of earwigs and your plants are being destroyed, you may need to consider a targeted chemical option.

Look for insecticides that contain spinosad. This is a naturally occurring substance that is effective against earwigs but less harmful to beneficial insects. Apply it in the evening when earwigs are active.

Always follow the label instructions carefully. Use chemicals as a last resort, not as a first line of defense. The goal is to create a balanced ecosystem where pests are controlled naturally.

Seasonal Considerations

Earwig populations fluctuate with the seasons. They are most active in the spring and early summer when the weather is warm and moist. As the summer heats up and dries out, their numbers often decline.

In the fall, they seek shelter to overwinter. This is a great time to clean up your garden. Remove dead plants and debris to eliminate their hiding spots. This will reduce the number that survive the winter.

In the spring, be proactive. Plant your repellent herbs early so they are established before the earwig population explodes. A mature plant has a stronger scent than a young seedling.

Final Thoughts On Natural Pest Control

Using plants that repel earwigs is a smart, sustainable way to protect your garden. It works with nature rather than against it. You are creating a diverse ecosystem that is resilient to pests.

This approach takes a little more planning than spraying chemicals, but the results are worth it. You get a beautiful, fragrant garden that is also productive. You also avoid introducing toxins into your soil and water supply.

Start small. Choose a few of the herbs and flowers mentioned above. Plant them strategically around your most vulnerable crops. Observe the results and adjust as needed. You will soon find the combination that works best for your specific garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do marigolds really keep earwigs away?
A: Yes, marigolds are very effective. They have a distinct, pungent odor that earwigs dislike. Planting them as a border around your garden is a classic and reliable method.

Q: Will these plants also repel other pests?
A: Absolutely. Many of these plants, like basil and mint, also repel aphids, mosquitoes, and flies. This makes them a multi-purpose tool for your garden.

Q: How many plants do I need to see a difference?
A: It depends on the size of your garden. As a general rule, you want a dense border. Do not just plant one or two. You need enough to create a strong scent barrier. For a standard 4×8 foot bed, you might need 10-15 herb plants.

Q: Are there any plants that attract earwigs that I should remove?
A: Yes, earwigs are attracted to decaying matter and dense ground cover. Remove piles of dead leaves, grass clippings, and thick mulch. They also love marigolds, but we use them as a trap crop or border. They are drawn to the marigolds and stay away from your other plants.

Q: Can I use essential oils instead of planting?
A: Yes, you can. You can mix a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil with water and spray it around your plants. However, this needs to be reapplied frequently, especially after rain. Planting is a more permanent and low-maintenance solution.

By integrating these plants and strategies, you are well on your way to a healthier, earwig-free garden. It is a proactive, natural approach that yields long-term results. Your plants will thank you for it.