Earwigs are not usually a major problem in the home garden – they actually play an important part in a garden’s ecosystem as they feed on decayed plant material and other insects. However, dahlias do appear to be a favourite to munch on! 

Check plants & favourite spots

• Earwigs are nocturnal and feed at night, so check your garden at this time to see if they are active.
• Regular garden hygiene (keeping the garden clear of leaf litter and rotting vegetation) plays an important part in reducing their numbers, as does removing the places they can hide.
• During the day, they can be found under stones, in long vegetation, and other dark, damp places. 

Treatment

• Some people have had good results spraying plants with Neem oil or using Neem granules in the soil. Some even try applying a layer of Vaseline around the base of a dahlia plant’s stem (although this could be a little messy when temperatures increase).
• You could try making your own bamboo stake traps as earwigs like to hide in the hollow stems. Poke bamboo stakes into the ground at night next to your plant (be careful not to damage the roots/tuber). In the morning, gently pull them up, and tap the earwigs out (dispose of them however you wish). You may need to do this regularly.
• There are also a number of commercial traps available that easily collect earwigs – ask your local garden centre.

Silverbeet 

• With your silverbeet – check it is not slugs or snails eating the leaves.
• They are also nocturnal so pop out at night with a torch and see who the culprit is. You can source slug/snail bait from your local garden centre to treat the problem.