Woolly apple aphid predator - European earwig, Forficula auricularia

Research in several countries has shown that the European earwig is as an important predator of woolly apple aphid. Aphid outbreaks have occurred when pesticides toxic to earwigs, such as diflubenzuron (Dimilin®), have been used. This has also occurred with these pesticides in New Zealand, although the toxicity of the chemicals to earwigs, and their role in control, has yet to be shown here. The European or common earwig was introduced to New Zealand by accident and was first reported in 1898.