What is eating the butterfly bush? Covered with small per...
20” pot with drainage
Last watered 4 months ago
2
Hi Mags, welcome to Greg! So I went to google to see what it says- I’ve copied and pasted what it says for you. It’s long, but good info. I hope it helps (sorry it’s a long one) ::: Based on your observation of small perforations on your Orange Eye Butterfly Bush leaves, here's a breakdown of potential causes and solutions:
1. Insects that chew holes in leaves:
Japanese Beetles: These metallic green and copper beetles can cause ragged holes or even skeletonize leaves, according to Yardener. They are most active in late June and early July.
Caterpillars: While butterfly bushes attract beneficial butterflies, some caterpillars, such as the checker spot butterfly caterpillar, can be pests and chew holes in the leaves.
Earwigs: These nocturnal insects are scavengers and may chew irregularly shaped holes in the leaves, which can look similar to slug damage.
Four-lined plant bugs: These bugs create small, circular brown-black spots that can eventually dry and fall out, leaving holes.
2. Identifying the Culprit:
Inspect the leaves closely: Look for the insects themselves, or signs of their activity, such as frass (caterpillar droppings) or webbing.
Check at different times of day: Earwigs are nocturnal, so you might need to inspect the plant at dusk.
Look for distinct damage patterns: Japanese beetles tend to leave only the veins behind, while earwigs chew ragged holes.
3. Solutions:
Handpicking: For Japanese beetles or caterpillars, handpicking them and dropping them into soapy water can help control their numbers.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): If caterpillars are the problem, spraying the leaves with Bt can be effective. It specifically targets leaf-eating caterpillars.
Earwig traps: You can trap earwigs using rolled-up cardboard or shallow dishes of beer or fish oil.
Improve air circulation: This can help prevent fungal diseases that might weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to pest damage.
Pruning: Remove and discard affected leaves to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
4. Important Considerations:
Avoid harmful insecticides: Butterfly bushes attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, so it's best to avoid using insecticides that could harm them.
Promote plant health: Healthy plants are better able to resist pests and diseases, so ensure your Butterfly Bush is planted in a location with good drainage and receives adequate sunlight and water.
Early detection is key: Regularly inspecting your plants can help you catch problems before they become severe.
By carefully inspecting your Butterfly Bush and implementing appropriate solutions, you can help address the small perforations on its leaves and maintain a healthy plant.
1. Insects that chew holes in leaves:
Japanese Beetles: These metallic green and copper beetles can cause ragged holes or even skeletonize leaves, according to Yardener. They are most active in late June and early July.
Caterpillars: While butterfly bushes attract beneficial butterflies, some caterpillars, such as the checker spot butterfly caterpillar, can be pests and chew holes in the leaves.
Earwigs: These nocturnal insects are scavengers and may chew irregularly shaped holes in the leaves, which can look similar to slug damage.
Four-lined plant bugs: These bugs create small, circular brown-black spots that can eventually dry and fall out, leaving holes.
2. Identifying the Culprit:
Inspect the leaves closely: Look for the insects themselves, or signs of their activity, such as frass (caterpillar droppings) or webbing.
Check at different times of day: Earwigs are nocturnal, so you might need to inspect the plant at dusk.
Look for distinct damage patterns: Japanese beetles tend to leave only the veins behind, while earwigs chew ragged holes.
3. Solutions:
Handpicking: For Japanese beetles or caterpillars, handpicking them and dropping them into soapy water can help control their numbers.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): If caterpillars are the problem, spraying the leaves with Bt can be effective. It specifically targets leaf-eating caterpillars.
Earwig traps: You can trap earwigs using rolled-up cardboard or shallow dishes of beer or fish oil.
Improve air circulation: This can help prevent fungal diseases that might weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to pest damage.
Pruning: Remove and discard affected leaves to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
4. Important Considerations:
Avoid harmful insecticides: Butterfly bushes attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, so it's best to avoid using insecticides that could harm them.
Promote plant health: Healthy plants are better able to resist pests and diseases, so ensure your Butterfly Bush is planted in a location with good drainage and receives adequate sunlight and water.
Early detection is key: Regularly inspecting your plants can help you catch problems before they become severe.
By carefully inspecting your Butterfly Bush and implementing appropriate solutions, you can help address the small perforations on its leaves and maintain a healthy plant.
Thank you I think it might be earwigs. Will set traps
