Passion Flower ATTACKED

Both of my newly planted Passion Flowers have been eaten by earwigs (I found them inside the flower bud having eaten the petals). Apparently earwigs are good to have as they eat slugs?? Can anyone suggest ways of getting rid of them please?

Re: Passion Flower ATTACKED

Reply from Kathy C

HI, Dawn,
Yes, earwigs eat slugs and aphids, but they also eat plants like hostas and, as you have seen, flower buds. I caught them in my Kniphofia buds last month...grr. First, clean up any damp, dark debris that earwigs like to use as a hiding place. Then, this organic method of control described here on Shoot is perfect for trapping them. You could also use a shallow tin/aluminium can with cooking oil in the bottom. Check these 'traps' in the morning and shake any live insects into a pail/container of soapy water to finish them off. Alternatively, you can use an insecticide.
Kathy C