IPM components

Earwigs Earwigs are insects belonging to the order Dermaptera. Most earwigs feed on decaying plant matter but some species are predatory and feed on a variety of other insects. They can be easily identified  by their forceps-like pincers (cerci), which they use for defense. Many species are wingless and live in the soil or in enclosed spaces. Predatory earwigs will enter plant stems to hunt for stem boring larvae. Usually they hide during daytime and become active at night. Earwigs can be mass produced in containers with a layer of compost. Some cat food can be provided to feed them. Rearing earwigs is cheap and very easy. It can be easily done by farmers who can mass produce them for their own fields.

A signboard at a mass rearing facility of earwigs.

Some earwigs in a rearing box. Here they feed on soft-bodied larvae of other insects.

Mass production of earwigs. Each container contains a layer of compost and some food (cat food). Hundreds of earwigs can be produced in each containers.

Rearing earwigs is easy and can be done by the farmers. This is a rearing facility of earwigs on a farm.

Each container contains a layer of compost and several hundred earwigs.

Earwigs are active during the night. During daytime they need a dark and humid place to hide. Some rice straw and a container of water can be used to make an excellent hiding place to release the earwigs. In the night they will disperse in the field and hunt for their prey.