RAR! Bugs are eating my leafy plants...

[chefker]

I have a problem with some mystery bugs that are devouring my butterfly bushes (they've basically stripped the leaves), my basil plants, and cabbage. The cabbage damage looks like it's been done by a different bug; the holes are perfectly round, whereas the damage on the basil and the butterfly bushes looks like it was done by some leaf-cutting insects.

I bought veggie-safe insecticidal soap for my afflicted veg plants--but don't know what I should use on the butterfly bushes..any ideas?

I wonder if it's too late to resurrect them. I have 3, in varying stages of damage. They were so beautiful just a few weeks ago, and now.....they look so very sad. :(

[tlew12778]

In my house, anything that doesn't get eaten gets sprayed with chemical insecticide. I have no mercy for the bugs anymore. Are you concerned that it would affect the butterflies? I would ask at the home improvement store/garden center what works for butterfly plants.

[chefker]

In my house, anything that doesn't get eaten gets sprayed with chemical insecticide. I have no mercy for the bugs anymore. Are you concerned that it would affect the butterflies? I would ask at the home improvement store/garden center what works for butterfly plants.


Yup, concerned for the butterflies & hummingbirds, but also concerned for ME, lol. I am PG, and very wary of using any chemicals. I can always have DH do the spraying, although he is gone for 2 weeks right now.

I do have some insecticide that's labeled for use on roses, and it works very well on them. I may check the label and see if it's good for any other plants. Otherwise, good idea to check with the garden center, our local center has some very knowledgeable people.