From: BB for Hummingbirds and Gardening for them in the Southeast <HUMNET-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU>

Subject: Re: [HUMNET-L] garden pests on salvias...

To: HUMNET-L@LISTSERV.LSU.EDU
From:Howard Williams 05/03/2003

There are a few pests that cause leaf skeletonization -- slugs, beetles (and their larvae), earwigs, and some caterpillars. Beetles and caterpillars would most likely be visible feeding during the day. If the damage seems to appear overnight -- with no visible culprit during daylight hours -- slugs and/or earwigs are most likely the problem. Slugs leave an obvious slime trail on the ground around your plants -- most visible in early morning -- while earwigs leave no clear trace. As Allison's post suggests, burying a shallow can to its rim and filling it with beer or a water/molasses mixture will trap earwigs and slugs alike. It's much better to go this route rather than resorting to harsher means. Your earthworms won't be affected and your youngster can play in the yard without coming into contact with pesticides.

I'd also recommend getting a book that covers garden pests and diseases. Some have photographs depicting various types of damage and the insect/disease that is causing the problem. With specific information you can target particular methods of control -- and spare beneficial insects that are on your side.

Howard Williams

Dallas, Texas