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Earwig #867584

Asked May 08, 2024, 1:38 PM EDT

Earwigs everywhere in garden. Brassicas, overwintered dahlia, artichokes sunflower etc. Any reason they are so prevalent this year? Pic of Napa cabbage.

Talbot County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

Earwigs won't eat the green foliage of plants. They are mostly decomposers eating dead or decaying matter. They are probably prolific this year due to the rain and humidity as they like the moisture. Also did you spread compost in the garden? They could be prevalent due to that as well. 

The holes on the cabbage are from one of the common cabbage caterpillar pests. They really blend in on the leaves, so look carefully along them on the tops and bottoms. 

We have some links on our cabbage information page that you can view for the different pests and treatment. 

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 08, 2024, 2:00 PM EDT

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