Brown insect with long narrow body up to 2.5cm/1in in length and a large pair of pincers at the front. It is omnivorous, and a garden pest in that it chews the florets (mainly of Dahlias and Chrysanthemums).

Earwigs redeem themselves by feeding on aphids and other pests, so should not be killed. Adults hibernate during winter. In early summer, eggs are laid beneath rubbish and decaying vegetation. The female earwig guards her eggs and protects her young until they are able to fend for themselves. Trapping is the most effective method of control. Place an inverted flower pot filled with straw at the top of the supporting stake. The nocturnal feeders will hide in the cover provided during the day. Inspect every morning and release any trapped earwigs in a part of the garden where there are no members of the Compositae family.