Blue Corn

This is my second attempt at blue corn for drying.  Last year I waited until the husk was dry to harvest.  What I found was a lot of earwigs and a few kernals.  Today I went to check on the corn and harvested the ears that appeared done yet not dry.  I saw plenty of earwigs and do not want to host the 2005 earwig blue corn buffet so I brought the corn inside.

What is the best method for drying this corn for cornmeal purposes, and how do I know when to harvest the corn before the earwigs do?

Two online paper:

Blue Corn Production and Marketing in New Mexico: George W. Dickerson, Extension Horticulture Specialist New Mexico State University

SEEDS OF STRENGTH FOR HOPIS & ZUNIS: Soleri, D., and D. Cleaveland. 1993

You may be having more trouble due to the natural moistness in Pacific NW air and environmental factors that stem from moister, heavier atmosphere. But try these papers and similar for solutions.

when harvesting corn, i always soak the ears in a bucket of water for a several minutes before i finish drying them. all the earwigs run or float to the top and can be moved elsewhere.

I use a small dropper full of mineral oil on the tops of the cobs (about half a teaspoon).... seems that earwigs dont like it and stay out.  I only grow small amounts of corn for fresh eating and I can't imagine doing a whole field of it, but its worth a try.