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Vegetable Gardening

What is eating my bell pepper plants?

9 years ago

My plants are grown from seeds, so I've been taking care of them like babies. When I noticed large sections of the leaves missing, I got very upset!
I'm thinking it's insect damage, but I can't figure out which one. I've done some research and none of the common pests leave holes like these. They are jagged and it looks like a large animal just took a big ol' bite out of it! Our neighborhood does have a lot of raccoons, but I wouldn't think they'd go after my plants since they have an easy access to multiple garbage cans and dumpsters.
I have them planted in large nursery containers (about 10" in diameter) with copper tape around the edges. The slugs haven't been strong enough to get past the tape the last few years, so I don't think it's them.
I've applied a soap spray to the leaves, but it rained all day today so I'm sure it's gone by now. I'll re-apply today.
Please help! I only have 4 plants and I'd love to get some peppers this year!

Comments (2)

digdirt2
9 years ago
Birds. They make the V-shaped bites like that when catching the bugs that land on the leaves. Put some cage type protection over them.\ and add some garlic to your soapy spray Normally not any real threat to the plants.

Dave
mav72
9 years ago
I agree on birds...Do you have chickens? I had a chicken when I was a kid and it loved to eat our pepper plants with similar damage...
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No idea where you live - you really need to supply that info in posts - so no idea what pests may be common to your location. Do you have mini beavers? That's what it looks like. ;-) Could be anything from rabbits to rats, squirrels, chipmunks, voles, etc. I'd probably put my money on rats or voles. Even cutworms or slugs are a possibility that low on the plant. Can you tell us what sort of varmints you have around? What have you seen in the garden? You may have to just visit the garden after dark with a flashlight to ID the culprit. Meanwhile it is easy enough to use sticks placed all around the stems, right up next to them, to deter the pest. Some use plastic straws, some use popsickle sticks, some just use yard twigs, some use big nails. Dave
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