Earwigs and air layers

[RJG2]

Wondering if anyone has run into this before, or if I should actually be worried/super annoyed.

I checked an air layer the other day, and it had good callus, but no roots. Fine, great, leave it on/re-scar/re-wrap you might say.

But there were a half dozen or so earwigs in there. Did some searching, and they will eat pretty much anything - including roots.

Seems an air layer is a great place for them - damp, dark, decaying matter, and fleshy new roots to munch.

Has anyone else seen this? Suggestions?

 

[KateM]

Wondering if anyone has run into this before, or if I should actually be worried/super annoyed.

I checked an air layer the other day, and it had good callus, but no roots. Fine, great, leave it on/re-scar/re-wrap you might say.

But there were a half dozen or so earwigs in there. Did some searching, and they will eat pretty much anything - including roots.

Seems an air layer is a great place for them - damp, dark, decaying matter, and fleshy new roots to munch.

Has anyone else seen this? Suggestions?

I found them in every air layer I ever did. They don't seem to harm roots in any way. This is just my observation.

 

[19Mateo83]

I also find them in my layers and they don’t seem to affect anything.

 

[August44]

If an earwig is there you can bet he is eating...something.

 

[Mike Corazzi]

They spend more time pinching. Maybe junipers.

 

[Pygo]

I wouldn’t say they’re a worry free critter, but generally roots aren’t their first choice of meal. I have/had a major infestation in my raised bed and in small numbers they’re beneficial. But once they reach infestation level, food becomes scarce and that’s when they start going after roots and leaves as more of a last resort. More than likely they’re just chilling in the cozy air layer but going elsewhere to eat

 

[RJG2]

Interesting, thanks all - I'll try not to worry too much.

I just read that they do eat roots on occasion, and there isn't much in the air layer aside from a sphagnum/pumice/akadama mix.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Wood lice, rolly pollies or however you call them are way more problematic. They eat any and all emerging roots.
So much even, that I've been treating my air layer mosses with killer materials.