Dahlia leaf attack - Ask Extension
I have a variety of flowers but only the dahlias are being destroyed. I am finding no slugs but the leaves are being eaten. I see small white bumps ...
Knowledgebase
Dahlia leaf attack #878022
Asked July 20, 2024, 1:06 PM EDT
I have a variety of flowers but only the dahlias are being destroyed. I am finding no slugs but the leaves are being eaten. I see small white bumps in the leaves then holes appear. Can you identify?
Lincoln County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. Sorry your dahlias are being affected.
The irregular leaf hole damage may indicate earwig damage or damage from the western spotted cucumber beetle.
Here is some information about earwig damage and possible controls - https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74102.html#:~:text=Earwigs%20may%20also%20seriously%20damage,dry%2C%20hot%2C%20or%20cold.
Here is some information about western spotted cucumber beetle damage and possible controls - https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/dahlia-dahlia-western-spotted-cucumber-beetle
The irregular leaf hole damage may indicate earwig damage or damage from the western spotted cucumber beetle.
Here is some information about earwig damage and possible controls - https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74102.html#:~:text=Earwigs%20may%20also%20seriously%20damage,dry%2C%20hot%2C%20or%20cold.
Here is some information about western spotted cucumber beetle damage and possible controls - https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/dahlia-dahlia-western-spotted-cucumber-beetle
