Root tip eating insect

[bdelfiero]

This has been my problem for quite some time now, the good green root tips are being eaten by unknown insects. Mostly the victims are Phal and dend, I am really saddened. I hope somebody could help me. Thank you.

[Eyebabe]

I would have to think about what is the most likely culprit and treat empirically if I could not "see" and identify the culprit.

[BobInBonita]

There are times for a flyswatter and times for a hammer.

If you have a now and then problem with a bite taken here and there, that's one thing and you can research it and understand it and go gently with a progression of potential cures.

When you have root tips being eaten all over the place, you have a major issue. Use the strongest insecticide you can at the highest recommended dose and kill the offenders before they multiply.

[silken]

Could it be a rodent?

[BobInBonita]

Put out a couple of glue boards.

You'll know if it's a rodent or a bug soon enough. Put it as close as possible to the affected plants. They'll trap darn near anything that walks across - bugs, rodents, lizards, birds, etc.

[keithrs]

Most likely it's slugs or snails.

I have the same problem!!!! I went through my collection outside today and found 7 slugs.

You have to unpot because they hide in the bottom of the pot and in the mix. Replace the mix or wash it, than bake it in tin foil to get rid of any eggs.

Remove all loose leaves, empty pots, or anything where they hide. It takes time but this is the best way to get rid of them. Sluggo can be used after you get rid of them. I find lids off sour cream lids with beer works well. Use new cheap beer.

[BobInBonita]

Metaldehyde baits eliminated them for me. Don't know the Sluggo brand - that might be the active.

When I had them, I treated at weakly intervals for about a month. As they hatched, they ate and died.

[keithrs]

Originally Posted by BobInBonita

Metaldehyde baits eliminated them for me. Don't know the Sluggo brand - that might be the active.

When I had them, I treated at weakly intervals for about a month. As they hatched, they ate and died.

I can't use Metaldehyde bait because it poisonous to dogs.

[fishmommy]

I bet it's a mouse...happened to me many times!
best of luck either way!

[WhiteRabbit]

sluggo - and some other brands are iron phosphate, generally safe around animals, tho I guess if enough is ingested it could cause gastric upset - does your dog get into your plants?

you could also repot, and put the plant somewhere difficult for snails/slugs to get to ...