What pest is causing these leaf holes? - Ask Extension
What could be causing this? Lots of little circular holes and some larger more ragged cuts in the leaves. Affected plants include basil, peppers, toma...
Knowledgebase
What pest is causing these leaf holes? #875180
Asked June 28, 2024, 9:36 PM EDT
What could be causing this? Lots of little circular holes and some larger more ragged cuts in the leaves. Affected plants include basil, peppers, tomatoes, and various herbs. Fruits are unaffected. The basil has received the worst of it.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Likely culprits include slugs, snails, earwigs, caterpillars and grasshoppers. Slugs and snails chew many plants, including hosta, cabbage, tomatoes, lettuce, basil, cucumbers and peppers. Here are two links that talk about this issue and offer solutions.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/slugs
https://www.melindamyers.com/articles/holes-in-basil-leaves
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/slugs
https://www.melindamyers.com/articles/holes-in-basil-leaves
