Whats eating my Rhodie and Azalea?

Discussion in 'Garden Pest Management and Identification' started by erin_juniper, Dec 17, 2008.

  1. erin_juniper

    erin_juniper Active Member

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    Sorry, I don't have pics but there is something feasting on my Rhodedendron and my azalea. The don't see to be bothering with the Hydrangea right beside them but the Azalea has next to no leaves left.

    Any ideas what this is? Will They be ok next summer?
     
  2. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Could it possibly be deer? If it was something like vine weevil you would see the tell tale holes around the edge of the leaves.
    (Some Azaleas are deciduous and normally lose their leaves.)
     
  3. jimmyq

    jimmyq Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    If it looks like a mouse has come by and taken a few bites out of the leaves it may be weevil damage, if the leaves are gone completely it is more likely to be an environmental issue such as overwatering or excessvely cold temperatures. Without seeing the damage it is almost impossible to make an accurate diagnosis.
     
  4. erin_juniper

    erin_juniper Active Member

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    ok, Ill try and get a pic up.
    It doesn't look like either a mouse took a big bite or like the leaf has gone completely. It's like little bites have eventually eaten away the leaf down to the branch.
    Ill try to get pics...
     
  5. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    If the "stem" left is the midvein of the leaf and the leaf blade looks like it's been clipped away by a hole punch, it's weevils.
     
  6. erin_juniper

    erin_juniper Active Member

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    Yah, it does look like that actually.
    Do we have these Weevil things in Vancouver? Could that be whats pushing up the dirt in our lawn?
    What can I do to get rid of 'em and will my babes bounce back?
     
  7. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Common throughout region. Adults notch leaves, larvae gnaw crowns and roots. Search "weevil control" etc. Summer applications of predator nematodes sold for purpose may work where chemical sprays considered undesirable.

    Tiny soil-like lumpy piles scattered through lawn is worm castings. These are considered by some a sort of fertilizer and are actually packaged and sold.
     
  8. erin_juniper

    erin_juniper Active Member

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    Ok, Ill search for the weevil control tips. Thanks for your help guys.
    I really thought it was slugs.

    The dirt piles are actually about 3 inches high. Im pretty sure they belong to some rodent. Maybe mice? I saw something scurrying around outside (so did the dog- wow he was pissed, lol) a long time ago even though we have a very clean neighborhood and yard.
     
  9. erin_juniper

    erin_juniper Active Member

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    I looked them up online and now that I see a pic I realize they aren't a rodent but an insect that I have seen many times in my garden. I think they ate my rose bush too!

    Thats definately the problem. Thanks again!
     
  10. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Maybe moles. They are related to shrews, eat worms etc.
     

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