What Bug Is Eating My Outdoor Plants?

It can be disheartening to nurture your outdoor plants only to find them being eaten by some kind of bug. There are many types of bugs that may be eating your plants, and it’s important to identify which one it is so you can properly treat it.

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that usually come in green, black, brown, or yellow. They feed by sucking sap from the leaves and stems of plants and they tend to gather in large clusters. If you notice curling leaves or sticky honeydew on your plants, chances are they have been infested with aphids.

Caterpillars are the larvae form of moths and butterflies. They have a voracious appetite and can quickly devour large amounts of foliage. Look for small holes in the leaves or irregularly shaped bite marks on the stems.

Leafhoppers are small insects that jump when disturbed. They feed on plant juices by inserting their mouthparts into the stems or leaves. Leaves may become discolored or distorted from leafhopper feeding.

Mealybugs are small white insects covered with a waxy coating. They feed on plant juices and secrete honeydew which can encourage sooty mold growth. If you see white cottony masses on your plants, chances are mealybugs have invaded.

Scale Insects, like mealybugs, also produce honeydew but their bodies are hard and scaly rather than white and cottony. Infested branches may be seen with small bumps along them.

Conclusion:

Identifying which bug is eating your outdoor plants is important for proper treatment and control methods. Common culprits include aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs, and scale insects but there could be other pests as well. If you’re not sure what’s causing the damage to your plants, contact a local extension agent for assistance.

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Chris Powell