Something eating my vegetable leaves - Ask Extension
Hello, some type of pest is eating my plant leaves. It seems to happen very quickly, I think overnight, with considerable damage. I don't see any slim...
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Something eating my vegetable leaves #871836
Asked June 06, 2024, 7:30 AM EDT
Hello, some type of pest is eating my plant leaves. It seems to happen very quickly, I think overnight, with considerable damage. I don't see any slimy trails, but maybe I am missing them. It has happened on almost all my plants: pumpkins, basil, beans, peppers, potatoes, lettuce. I want to identify the pest so I know best how to get rid of it.
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
From the size of the droppings on your basil, this is caterpillar feeding.
The other plants have damage from a chewing insect. It could be caterpillars or beetles.
Take a close look under the leaves in the daytime and at dusk to see if you can spot the insect/s.
Unfortunately, some of those cucumbers are going to have a difficult time recovering due to the amount of leaves chewed. Consider using row covers or mesh netting over the plants to protect them in the meantime.
The other plants have damage from a chewing insect. It could be caterpillars or beetles.
Take a close look under the leaves in the daytime and at dusk to see if you can spot the insect/s.
Unfortunately, some of those cucumbers are going to have a difficult time recovering due to the amount of leaves chewed. Consider using row covers or mesh netting over the plants to protect them in the meantime.
