So you caught yourself an earwig and have decided to give it its very own terrarium.
Now, you may be wondering what earwigs eat and how you can make sure they’re getting the nutrition they need.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of earwig nutrition and provide a simple DIY recipe for creating your earwig food.
You’ll also learn when to feed earwigs so your little visitors can stay healthy and safe.
Finally, we’ll cover some common mistakes people make when feeding earwigs.
What Do Earwigs Eat?
Earwigs are small insects that typically feed on decaying plant matter like fruits, leaves, and fungi.
They are also known to scavenge dead insects and animal remains.
In the wild, earwigs are known to eat aphids, mites, and other small insects.
Earwigs have also been observed eating the eggs of other insects, including bees, butterflies, and ants.
Earwigs also eat pollen, which provides them with essential amino acids, proteins, and fatty acids.
All of these foods provide essential nutrients that earwigs need to survive.
To ensure they thrive, provide them with an optimal environment using our Biotype Substrate Blends, which are specially formulated to support their dietary needs.
Buy Earwig Food
If you’re not looking to make your earwig food, you can always purchase pre-made commercial food from a pet store or online.
This food is usually marketed for worms or caterpillars. Even though this food isn’t specifically made for earwigs, it has all the nutrients one would need.
Either way, it is vital to make sure that the food you buy is specifically designed for insects as some brands may contain ingredients that are dangerous for bugs and other small critters like earwigs.
When it comes to providing food for your earwigs, it’s good to remember that certain types of food can be harmful.
For example, avoid feeding them too much sugar, as it can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Additionally, you’ll want to avoid food that contains preservatives or artificial colors as these can cause long-term health issues for your earwigs.
Stick to natural and organic food whenever possible.
When To Feed Earwigs
When it comes to feeding your earwigs, timing is key. Generally, earwigs should be fed once or twice a week.
You can provide them with food in the morning before they go off to search for food.
Make sure to remove any food that has not been eaten after a day or two.
Avoid overfeeding your earwigs, as it can lead to overpopulation and other health issues.
It’s essential to provide your bugs with food on a regular schedule to keep them healthy.
For example, if you are feeding them twice a week, try to feed them on the same days each week.
This will help them to establish a routine, which is important for their overall health and well-being.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes people make when feeding earwigs is not providing enough food.
Earwigs need more food than other insects because they are larger and require more sustenance.
You’ll want to provide enough food for earwigs to eat so that they can stay healthy and happy.
Another mistake people make is not providing the right type of food for earwigs.
Earwigs are omnivorous, they will need a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Providing a balanced diet for earwigs is key to keeping them healthy and providing the nutrients they need.
Finally, people often forget to provide a source of moisture for earwigs.
Earwigs need to stay hydrated, and they will not drink from a bowl of water.
Instead, they need moist food or access to water droplets to stay hydrated.
Without a source of moisture, earwigs can become dehydrated and even die.
Conclusion
Creating your earwig food is the best way to ensure your pet earwigs are getting all the nutrition they need.
Remember to only feed earwigs when their food has been completely consumed, as this will help prevent mold from growing.
Additionally, it’s ideal to avoid overfeeding your earwigs, as this can cause problems later down the road.
With the right care, your pet earwigs can live a long and happy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Earwigs primarily feed on fungi, bacteria, algae, and decaying plant matter. They can also feed on other microorganisms and decaying animal matter, as well as pollen and nectar from plants.
Earwigs are attracted to dark, damp places and decaying plant matter, as well as light and sweet substances like nectar and syrup.
They can be a nuisance in homes and businesses during warm months.
Earwigs can survive for a few weeks without food if they have access to water.
The best baits for earwigs are those that are sweet and sticky, such as honey or molasses, as well as rolled oats or bran, which they will eat and can become trapped in.