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What's eating my plants #842075

Asked July 22, 2023, 7:41 PM EDT

I some something eating my plant leaves, but we never see any insects on the leaves. Any idea what it is and how to get rid of them?

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Cindy, 

Thanks for your question and your photos!  I suspect this damage is likely due to root weevils.  They feed at night on the leaves and hide during the day at the base of the plant.  They create ragged notches on the edges of leaves (different than the "C" shaped hole at the edge of the leaf from the beneficial leafcutter bee).  

You should be able to confirm their presence and observe them feeding after dusk.  Here is a link for more information and management suggestions: 

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/common/landscape-root-weevil

Please reach out if you have further questions!

Lisa Cowan

Outreach Program Coordinator – Community Horticulture Program

Oregon State University

OSU Extension Service – Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson Counties

3800 SW Airport Way, Bldg #4

Redmond, OR 97756

Tel.:<personal data hidden> (direct line) I<personal data hidden> (x79590 - main line)

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An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 26, 2023, 2:01 PM EDT

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