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- Q.What Is Eating My Pepper And Eggplants - My garden is fully fenced , peppers and eggplants grown from seed in my greenhouse. First whatever it is snipped ...
- Q.Who’s Nipping At My Daisies And Coneflowers? - I'm transitioning from a cottage garden in the front to a smaller garden in the back. I get a nice ...
- Q.How To Get Rid Of Spiders. - I don't mind a few spiders in my yard, but we are overrun with them. There are spider webs encasing ...
Asked by
nikkibob1994 on
June 12, 2024
Wild Rose central WisconsinQ.What Is Eating My Pepper And Eggplants
My garden is fully fenced , peppers and eggplants grown from seed in my greenhouse. First whatever it is snipped all the leaves off my eggplants but didn't eat the leaves and then ate the stems themselves the next night, leveled the the plants to the ground. Now whatever it is is working on my pepper plants. I thought cut worms at first and used diatomaceous earth and seven powder but didn't stop this destruction.
Answered by
BushDoctor on
June 12, 2024
Certified ExpertA.This is definitely cutworm damage, but I notice something else as well. I see what looks like the beginning of spider mite damage. These are teeny tiny and most people overlook them because of it. This causes a quick decline, which makes for the perfect host for cutworms. Damage can be confirmed by seeing some of the stems cut at a very precise angle, which is common for cutworms, paired with small spotting on some of the leaves for spider mites. I would expect to see some slight webbing under the leaves.
Leveling to the ground is really only common for younger plants, but cutworms can be responsible. I would compound treatments, and keep using them until you see no more signs of pest. Both can be quite a chore to get rid of and keep away from you garden. I would use plenty of neem oil or its extract, azadirachtin, to kill and keep both at bay. This should be done on occasion to prevent any future issues.
My favorite treatment for cutworms, above all, will be Bt. Bacillus thuringiensis is a hungry bacteria that will feed on caterpillars, effectively controlling them through infection. This bacteria is completely harmless to humans, so there is no worry of toxicity or poisoning.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/using-bacillus-thuringiensis.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-cutworms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm
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- Asked by
Anonymous on
July 30, 2024Q.Who’s Nipping At My Daisies And Coneflowers?
I'm transitioning from a cottage garden in the front to a smaller garden in the back. I get a nice mix of sun and shade there. I transplanted existing coneflowers, and bought a few black-eyed Susans. Something is nipping or sawing at them. About an inch below the blossom is a razor-sharp clean cut almost all the way through but not quite. The blossom is left hanging over and dying. Can you tell me what's doing it and what I can do about it? They had been sprayed with Liquid Fence and Triple A. I live in the edge of Earlham Woods in eastern Indiana. Thank you for any help you can give me. I have photos but they're not uploading.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
July 31, 2024
Certified ExpertA.It sounds like there are some headclipping weevils attacking your plants. Here is more:
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
March 18, 2025Q.How To Get Rid Of Spiders.
I don't mind a few spiders in my yard, but we are overrun with them. There are spider webs encasing branches and chairs and long webs from one object to another. I can spray them or knock them down, but within 24 hours they are back. It is difficult to enjoy the yard and it takes a huge cleaning any and every time we want to sit on the patio furniture. Please help!
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
March 20, 2025
Certified ExpertA.Insecticides available to the public won't have a residual effect on spiders and aren't recommended for outdoor use. You would have to actually spray the spider. The best thing to do is to crush the spiders when you see them. Vacuuming up their webs on the patio may get the spiders as well and usually kills them. A blast of water from the hose will knock them and their webs off the shrubs or patio furniture.
You can also reduce their hiding places, such as woodpiles, clutter, and thick vegetation. Outdoor lights on at night will attract insects, which will in turn attract spiders. Sodium vapor bulbs will not attract as many insects. Your local county extension agent may have more tips.
If the problem persists, you may need to consult a professional who has more products available to use. These articles should help:
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7405.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-garden-pests.htm
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