UC IPM: UC Management Guidelines for European Earwig on Cucurbits

UC Pest Management Guidelines

Cucurbits

European Earwig

Scientific Name: Forficula auricularia

(Reviewed 11/05, updated 6/08)

In this Guideline:

Description of the pest
Damage
Management

Earwigs feed at night and can be found hidden around the crowns of the plants during the day. They are slender brown insects, about 0.5 to 0.75 inch (1.25 to 2 cm) long. They have a conspicuous pair of pincers attached to the back end of the abdomen. The adult wing covers are short and leathery. The pest becomes most destructive as nymphs approach maturity from April to July.

Earwig feeding results in small deep holes in the fruit that can only be distinguished from slug damage by the absence of slime. They will also inhabit or catface open-ended fruit.

Keep the top of beds dry during the last irrigation, as moisture favors increased damage. Where practical, eliminate hiding places by removing old senescent leaves.As maturity approaches, check the bottom of the fruit for damage. Treat if feeding holes are present, as adults are hard to find.

Common name

Amount/Acre

R.E.I.+

P.H.I.+

(trade name)

(hours)

(days)

When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to water quality and impact on natural enemies and honey bees.

CARBARYL

5% bait

20 lb

see label

MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER¹: 1A

COMMENTS: Repeat as necessary using suitable ground or air equipment for proper distribution. Double treatment is usually more effective.

PERMETHRIN*

(Ambush 0.5% bait)

20–40 lb

MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER¹: 3

COMMENTS: Avoid applications when honeybees are actively foraging by applying in early morning or during evening hours. Do not apply more than 320 lb/acre/season.

Restricted entry interval (R.E.I.) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (P.H.I.) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest.

Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action Group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action Group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a Group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B Group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a Group number other than 1B. Mode of action Group numbers are assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.

Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Insects and Mites
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/r116301811.html revised: June 30, 2008. Contact webmaster.

How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

Cucurbits

European Earwig

Scientific Name: Forficula auricularia

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

DAMAGE

MANAGEMENT

PUBLICATION