Knowledgebase

Sage damage #875209

Asked June 29, 2024, 10:16 AM EDT

What is eating my sage?

Harford County Maryland

Expert Response

What is eating this sage plant? The damage looks different from the sage plant 10 ft away. Thanks!
The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2024, 11:14 AM EDT
The damage looks similar enough that the same pest (or group of pests) is probably damaging both. Chewed leaves can be hard to diagnose since the culprit doesn't always hang around long enough to be seen, or they feed at night. Culprits could include slugs/snails, caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers, earwigs, and various beetles. The damage pictured is minor and intervention is not needed, though if you were to try a low-toxicity insecticide, the culprit would need to be identified in order to have the right ingredient used for effectiveness. If you find one or more insect types associated with the chewed areas, feel free to send us photos for ID.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 01, 2024, 12:51 PM EDT

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