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Earwigs
Insect or pest Forficula auricularia
Holes or chewed leavesDamaged fruit, pods, or earsBugs I can see
How to spot it
Reddish-brown insects up to 3/4 inch long with pincers on the tail. They hide in damp spots by day and feed at night.
What it does
They chew ragged holes in leaves and flowers, eat corn silks, and hollow soft fruit. A few are helpful: they also eat aphids.
What to do now
- Trap them in rolled-up damp newspaper or a tuna can with a little oil, and empty it each morning.
Keep it away next time
- Clear boards and debris near beds.
- Water in the morning.
Plants it affects
Not sure? Your county extension office can identify it from a photo or sample, often for free.