How to Keep Woodlice and Earwigs Away from the Garden Naturally?
Quick answer: woodlice and earwigs hide in damp, dark places (thick mulch, under flowerpots, woodpiles) and come out at night to feed. To keep them away naturally, reduce stagnant humidity around vulnerable plants, create a diatomaceous earth barrier around the areas to protect, and set up refuge traps (upturned straw-filled pots) to catch them and move them away from delicate crops.
Are they really harmful to plants?
Woodlice and earwigs are mainly detritivores and feed chiefly on decomposing organic matter; in large numbers, however, they can attack tender young shoots and ripe fruit, notably strawberries in contact with the soil.
The natural protocol in 3 steps
- Reduce stagnant humidity by airing out the mulch and avoiding areas of permanent water near vulnerable crops.
- Create a barrier of diatomaceous earth or wood ash around the plants to protect (strawberry plants, young seedlings).
- Set up refuge traps (flowerpots filled with straw, turned upside down on a stake) that you empty regularly away from the crops.
Should woodlice and earwigs be completely eliminated from the garden?
No, they play a useful role in breaking down organic matter, and earwigs are even predators of aphids; the aim is to keep them away from vulnerable crops rather than eradicate them from the garden.
Frequently asked questions
Are earwigs useful in the garden?
Yes, they feed on aphids among other things and act as a natural beneficial insect; keeping them away only from delicate crops rather than eliminating them preserves this benefit.
Why do refuge traps work?
These insects look for dark, damp shelters during the day; a pot filled with straw reproduces these conditions and attracts them naturally, making it easier to move them.
Is diatomaceous earth effective against woodlice?
Yes, it works by abrasion on their shell on contact, provided it is applied dry and renewed after every rainfall or watering.