Watch out for earwigs if you are growing corn!
Not so fun fact, earwigs like to eat the corn silks on corn plants!
I was wondering why the silks were disappearing on my corn plants and found some earwigs tucked into those areas. A quick google told me that I needed to take action to have any chance at a decent corn harvest of my handful of plants! I sprayed them with a gentle soap to kill the active infestation, then rinsed the plants and soil thoroughly to reduce the chance of the soap hurting pollinators when they’re active in the morning/daytime!
Fingers crossed I can still do some hand pollinating and salvage my crop!
Earwigs are a common but often overlooked pest in home gardening, especially for those growing corn. These small insects are particularly notorious for feeding on corn silks, which are crucial for pollination and kernel development. When earwigs consume or damage the silks, they can severely reduce your corn yield by preventing proper pollination. Early detection is key when dealing with earwig infestations. Check your corn plants regularly during the growing season, especially when silks begin to emerge. Look for earwigs hiding in the folds of leaves or at the base of the silks. Because they are nocturnal, inspecting plants in the evening may reveal more activity. For managing earwigs without harming beneficial insects like pollinators, gentle, non-toxic methods are preferred. Using a mild soap spray diluted in water can effectively reduce earwig populations. It’s important to rinse the plants and surrounding soil after treatment to minimize any residual soap that could negatively affect pollinators during the day. In addition to chemical controls, mechanical methods such as hand-picking earwigs or setting traps using rolled-up damp newspapers or cardboard can help reduce their numbers. These traps attract earwigs, making them easy to collect and remove. If silk damage has already occurred, hand pollination can be a lifesaver to ensure your corn cob develops fully. Using a small brush or your fingers, gently transfer pollen from mature tassels to the damaged silks. This intervention can improve kernel formation despite pest pressure. By combining early monitoring, safe pest control techniques, and hand pollination, gardeners can protect their corn crops from earwig damage and increase the chances of a successful harvest. Incorporating these strategies leads to healthier plants, better yields, and a more rewarding home gardening experience.