TRAPS FOR EARWIGS

Evening Star, Issue 21992, 30 March 1935, Page 3

TRAPS FOR EARWIGS

METHODS OF ERADICATION The common earwig (Forfioula aurioalaria) i« excedingly destructive to a large variety of plants and fruits, as it eats holes in the tissues. It appears to be particularly partial to dahlias and chrysanthemums and frequently destroys a large percentage of the buds. Systematic trapping and poisoning are the only really effective methods of exterminating them. Earwigs are omnivorous, their food consisting of decaying matter, small insects, and even each other if nothing else is available (writes the gardening correspondent of the 4 Auckland Herald '). The eggs are laid in the autumn and the females spend the winter near them. It may be mentioned that the sex may be determined by the forceps at the hinder end of the body.- In the female these forceps, lay close to one another, in the males they are much more curved and form a rough circle. In the late autumn and winter, when the females are seen, it may be taken for granted that a nest of eggs is close by, and witli a little search these may be found and destroyed. Hibernation quarters favoured are loose bark on trees and fences and under stones or similar damp places. An oilcan charged with a mixture of creosote and ammonia is useful for squirting into likely places. The pestS come out and die in hundreds; benzine is also fatal to them. Earwigs feed at night, and with daylight hide away in some dark place handy to their feeding grounds. Heaps of straw placed afound gardens will attract large numbers, and the straw may be burned in the daytime. The oldfashioned method of inverting a flower pot, with a wisp of hay tucked in, on tops of flower stakes, will trap many. The hay should be shaken out over a vessel of water, to which some kerosene has been added, every morning. A matchbox trap is also effective where flower pots are not available. The ends of bamboo canes used for supporting plants should be closed with clay or putty, as these are favourite lurking places. Paris green and bran poison bait as used for cutworms is very effective and is of value where the pests enter the residence by windows or doors. The baits, placed on the window ledges and sills of doors at night, will dispose of many foraging for food. . To, make the bait, mix Jib of Pans green (poison) in the dry state with 61b of bran. In a dry condition the mixture mar be stored. When required sufficient water is mixed with the bran to make it slightly damp, but of a crumbling consistency. If about two tnblespoonfuls of coarse treacle are first mixed with the water the bait is made still more attractive to the insect^