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What’s eating my butterfly bushes? #576833

Asked July 04, 2019, 12:55 PM EDT

The leaves of my butterfly bushes are full of holes. Seems as though someone is eating them, haven’t necessarily seen any ‘bug activity’. Of note is that our neighbors bushes less than 12 feet away are healthy looking.

Mesa County Colorado

Expert Response

We think something is eating the top or bottom of the leaf, then it is drying out and splitting.  Looks like it has been going on for awhile.  Could also have some hail damage from the recent hail we have had.   The insect damage could be from beetles, earwigs, or leaf hopper.  I would get up close and personal with your plant and see if you can find an insect.  Then bring in the sample or send a picture.  We cannot give recommendations on control without first figuring out what insect type it is, plus since the plant is blooming, we do not want to hurt the pollinators.  Good news is this is a tough shrub.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 08, 2019, 11:09 AM EDT

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