Hostas

Question

My hostas are being eaten at the stems and I am about at wits end. The hostas being eaten are next to my deck and in the mornings I find the leaves laying around. So far they have eaten 5 of my larger ones and are working on what is left. I have other hostas within 10 feet they are not touching. I have put out Sevin dust, as someone said that would stop cutworms. Have also put out some D-Con under my deck, as someone said it could be rats, mice or voles. It only happens at night, but that could be as I have 3 beagles that are in and out all day. The only rodents I see in my yard are squirrels, which the dogs quickly chase away. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

It could be slugs, which feed at night. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/facts-about-slugs-and-how-to-kill-garden-slugs.htm It may also be rodents. They, too, will come out at night. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/garden-mouse-control.htm Do you have any deer or rabbits in the area? They will feast on hosta plants as well and may slip in under the cover of darkness. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/how-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-gardens.htm As long as the stems and roots are ok, the hosta plants will normally come back, however.