August 2005 Valley Life column

August 2005 Valley Life column
Earwigs are invading my yard. I could blame the mild winter we had, or maybe my many flower gardens that require frequent watering. Whatever the cause, my yard is literally crawling with earwigs -- those tiny ugly bugs with long, pincer-like protrusions that make children and adults squeamish.

During the day, these ugly bugs hide in my lettuce or under the cushions of my lawn chairs. At night, they venture out to chew up my plants. They think they're so sneaky, munching the blossoms of my pole beans when I can't see them, or stripping the leaves from my rhubarb. But I know they are there and what they are doing, and I'm beginning to dislike the little buggers.

(read more)...